Genetic Testing

Genetic testing refers to a medical test that identifies certain chromosomes, genes or proteins in a person. Most people use genetic testing to test for inherited disorders in themselves and in their unborn children. When you get the result of a genetic test, you will find out what suspected genetic conditions you may or may not have and those that can be passed on to future generations.

Does Everyone Need Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing is all voluntary so it is up to the person or family to decide to get genetic testing. If you decide to do genetic testing, it is best to see a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor will sit down with you or your family and discuss the various inherited disorders that could be an issue.

What Is Newborn Genetic Screentesting?
Newborn genetic screentesting is a blood test that will identify any treatable gentetic disorders that your newborn may have. This is an important test as early detection will allow early treatment that could eliminate or reduce symptoms.

Who Pays For Newborn Genetic Screentesting?
Individual states in the U.S. will finance their own newborn screening. Health insurance plans can pay for these tests as well.

It’s important to test your newborn. Ask your doctor and get a test done.

Genetic counseling isn’t for everyone. It is primarily used for patients who know they are at risk for an inherited disease and need more information regarding the outcome.

A genetic counselor, who is an expert on medical genetics, will provide patients with with information pertaining to their inherited disorder. Such topics include getting informed of the consequences of the disorder, the probability of transmitting the disorder and what options are available for treatment and management.

Many pregnant women will go see a genetic counselor when they are undergoing prenatal testing and check to see if their unborn child is at risk of any inheritable diseases.

A genetic counselor also provides support during times of distress and loss. They also act as your advocate to to other professionals in the field.

Although the outcome of tests may prove to be upsetting, it is always a good suggestion to get genetic counseling done to be absolutely sure about yourself and your potential children.

With recent scientific discovery, we now know which genes are associated to an increase risk of certain genetic diseases that could occur later in life or be passed on to your next generation. As well, these genetic tests have become much cheaper because they are being marketed to the public and are no longer solely research tools.

How are genetic tests done? You can submit a spit sample or blood sample to a genetic testing lab and soon find out which, if any, diseases you are likely to get later in life. There is much benefit to knowing what you are susceptible later in life. It will force many people to be proactive and take measures such as medications or lifestyle changes to help combat any diseases that may occur later.

In any event, it is a good investment on your life and your children’s life to be knowledgeable in genetic testing.

What can be determined about your future or that of your children from a home DNA test? A lot. I knew from friends who were having babies in their forties that fetal genetic testing had really advanced. A simple non invasive test can determine very accurately the possibility of birth defects, the sex of the baby, and more. But I was shocked to find out that anyone who wants to pay for it can now order an at home DNA testing kit and find out their chance of getting a specific disease based on their personal genotype.

Continental Magazine

As if this weren’t enough, they will also provide (in percentage format) the chance of your unborn child inheriting this disease even if you don’t have it yet! Are the results conclusive? No. Do they predict with certainty that you will develop a specific disease or disorder later in life? No.

Time Magazines’ Invention of the Year is the DNA testing service provided by 23andMe. 23andMe is a new consumer gene testing service co-founded by Linda Avey and Anne Wojcicki (who is married to Google’s Sergey Brin). Time Magazine said “We are at the beginning of a personal-genomics revolution that will transform not only how we take care of ourselves but also what we mean by personal information.” 23andMe is largely funded by Google and a few of its’ rich and famous clients. This IS big, but how does it affect me?

Ever wonder what your DNA tells you? Ever thinking about having children? Knowing what your DNA can tell you can give you insight to future offspring. This article, “Home DNA Test-What Would You Want To Know From A Home DNA Test?” is noteworthy for delving into this topic. Learn more.

Prior to this new revolution, I was presented with the option of a specific DNA test to determine if a genome linked to a certain type of cancer (known to be in my family) was inherited and present in my genetic profile. As for me, and several friends who I discussed this with, the choice was not to perform the test. Again there would be no conclusive evidence that you would develop this cancer only the percentage risk. It was enough for us to know that we would be diligent about all available preventive measures related to this form of cancer and all other general health risk for that matter. Live life as you want. Take care of yourself and move on. That was our thought process.

Now, companies like 23andMe have presented another reason to test even if you don’t have a strong desire to know “the digital manifestation of you”. Anne Wojcicki says in Time Magazine, “You’re donating your genetic information. We could make great discoveries if we just had more information. We all carry this information, and if we bring it together and democratize it, we could really change health care.” Wow, tapping into our social consciousness! Anyway, this is obviously a VERY personal choice and one we each have to make for ourselves.

As for me, I only want to pay for a home DNA test if I can take positive action to improve my health based on the results. Many companies are using this new technology and one stands out for me: Genewize Life Sciences. They have developed a patented Healthy Aging DNA Assessment that analyzes 12 key areas related to aging where scientific research has proven that vitamin and nutritional supplementation can have a positive impact on the expression of your genes as you age.

Catherine Venable is a Stay-at-Home parent and Internet Marketing Consultant with a passion for healthy living and travel. Discover more about DNA customized supplements at http://New4YourDNA.com Learn more about internet marketing at http://grnsecrets.com