Genetic Testing Information
Genetic testing examines your DNA, which stores the genetic instructions your body uses to grow and function. Genetic testing provides information about genetic diseases you have or may develop, but genetic test results are not always clear.
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Function
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Genetic testing can diagnose certain conditions, such as Down syndrome, in people who have symptoms. It also determines if people carry genes for diseases, which they may pass to their children. Genetic testing also screens newborns for several diseases, such as congenital hypothyroidism.
Features
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Genetic testing is performed on blood, saliva, skin, hair, amniotic fluid or other body tissues and fluids. It may take several weeks to several months to get results from genetic testing.
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Considerations
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Genetic test results have limitations. For example, positive results do not always mean that a person will develop a condition, and negative results can't guarantee that you won't get a disease. In addition, genetic testing can't tell how severe a disorder will be. Sometimes a genetic test cannot effectively examine a gene and so produces inconclusive results.
Cost
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Genetic testing ranges from $100 to over $2,000, according to Genetics Home Reference. Health insurance usually covers genetic testing when testing is recommended by a doctor.
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References
- Photo Credit dna image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
