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Why would a doctor order a genetic test?
Genetic testing is useful in many areas of medicine and can change the medical care you or your family member receives. For example, genetic testing can provide a diagnosis for a genetic condition such as Fragile X or information about your risk to develop cancer. There are many different kinds of genetic tests.
Is genetic testing recommended?
Doctors usually recommend genetic testing if you or your partner has a higher risk of passing on certain diseases, like cystic fibrosis. And because of these screening tests, the number of people who have some disorders, like Tay-Sachs disease, has gone way down.
What does genetic testing check for?
Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.
What does it mean when genetic testing comes back positive?
A positive genetic test result means that an inherited mutation was found in a gene (or sometimes in more than one gene) that is associated with increased cancer risk.
What is the downside of genetic testing?
Some disadvantages, or risks, that come from genetic testing can include: Testing may increase your stress and anxiety. Results in some cases may return inconclusive or uncertain. Negative impact on family and personal relationships.
What to do before or after a genetic test?
Genetic counseling before and after genetic testing can help make sure that you are the right person in your family to get a genetic test, you’re getting the right genetic test, and that you understand your results. After learning more about genetic testing, you might decide it’s not right for you.
When do you need a single gene test?
There is no single genetic test that can detect all genetic conditions. Single gene testing. Single gene tests look for changes in only one gene. Single gene testing is done when your doctor believes you or your child have symptoms of a specific condition or syndrome.
When to have genetic testing before having children?
If you have a family history of a genetic disorder — such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis — or you’re in an ethnic group that has a high risk of a specific genetic disorder, you may choose to have genetic testing before having children.
How long does it take to get genetic test results?
It usually takes several weeks or longer to get the test results. Health insurance typically covers genetic counseling and many genetic tests, if they are considered medically necessary. A person considering genetic testing should discuss costs and health insurance coverage with their doctor and insurance company before being tested.