Determining Complex Genetic Risks by Computer.

Genetic risk analysis is a frequent and important responsibility for genetic counselors. Computer-based methods of determining risk are available but not generally used. In this paper, we present a computer-based likelihood approach for performing risk calculations (including Bayesian analysis), and the implementation of this approach using the CYRILLIC and LINKAGE computer packages. Several concrete examples are given, and caveats (which can also be applied to other programs for risk calculation) are discussed.