Genetic testing has made great strides over the past few years. By being able to track and test your genetic data, we are now able to help pinpoint certain diseases and disorders that might we might be susceptible to developing. Is Genetic testing something you should be interested in?
Many genetic websites have sprouted up over the past few years. By submitting a piece of your DNA, whether hair or blood, the companies can provide you with important health traits that are common in your genealogy. With this information, you will be able to plan, change, and minimize certain aspects of your life that might lead you to be more susceptible to certain health risk. It can also save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for unnecessary checkups for certain conditions that do not run in your family.
There are multiple types of genetic testing done each with its own reason: According to Mayoclinic.org here are the most common test:
Diagnostic Testing
Diagnostic testing can be used to check for symptoms of a disease that may be caused by genetic changes. It can also make you aware of any suspected disorder.
Presymptomatic/Predictive
Presymptomatic and predictive testing can help determine your chances of developing certain diseases that run in your family.
Carrier Testing
Carrier Testing helps determine if certain genetic disorders that run in your family are at a higher risk of being passed on. This would be a good test for those thinking about having children and wanting to know their chances of developing the disorder.
Pharmacogenetics testing
Pharmacogenetics testing can help determine what medication and dosage are right for you. This can be helpful when dealing with certain health conditions and diseases.
Prenatal Testing
Prenatal testing can detect some types of abnormalities in your baby’s genes.
Newborn Screening
Newborn screening is the most common type of genetic testing. This testing is required by all states to test for certain genetic and metabolic abnormalities that cause specific conditions.
Risk
Genetic testing comes with few risk, due to the test generally being blood or cheek swab. However, prenatal testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling does have a risk of pregnancy loss.
Will you join the wave of people joining the genetic testing? Talk to your doctor today and check if Genetic testing is right for you.
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Thank you for your article about genetic testing. My brother wants to have this done on him soon. I think he would learn a lot if he did do this.