Pedigree diagrams

Question 1

What info needs to be recorded under each name in pedigree?

Answer 1

Full name

Birth date

Death date (if applicable)

How they died

Question 2

What are the symbols used in pedigree diagrams?

Answer 2

• Look at notes for complete list of symbols!

Empty circle- normal female

Empty square- normal male

Empty tilted square- sex unknown

Single bar- indicates mating

Double bar- indicates mating between close relatives

Single parent presented- means partner is normal or not significant

2 shapes emerging from one line- fraternal twins

2 shapes emerging from same line but with horizontal line- identical twins

Darkened square or circle- affected individual

Circle or square w/ dot-carrier

Circle or square w/ diagonal line- dead

circle or square w/ diagonal line w/ SB- still birth at 29wk

Square or circle w/ P- pregnant

Triangle- miscarriage

Arrow pointing at square or circle- person providing info

Single bar with 2 diagonal line- separation/ divorce

Question 3

Steps on how to obtain info from patient?

Answer 3

1. Ask the patient if they have any known conditions
2. Ask about patients partner, children, any miscarriages
3. Ask about patients siblings
4. Ask about patients siblings’ partners
5. Ask about patients parents
6. Ask about patients aunties/uncles
7. Ask about patients aunties/uncles’ partners and children