Intro to genetic testing
Genetic counselors provide support to patients, families and healthcare providers.
When should you be tested?
There is no right or wrong time to have genetic testing. Some get genetic testing when they are ready to have children, and others after they or a loved one discovers they have a disease. The decision to pursue testing is up to you and your healthcare provider.
Making sense of genetic testing
It is recommended that you review your test results with your healthcare provider and/or genetic counselor because no test is 100 percent accurate and can have limitations.
Who should consider testing?
- Anyone with health conditions or symptoms who may have a genetic cause
- Anyone who has a clinical diagnosis of a genetic condition and potentially their family members
- Anyone with a family history of a genetic condition
Why genetic testing matters
Genetic testing may provide a diagnosis, which may help guide medical management. A genetic diagnosis may also help other family members, by letting them know whether they need to pursue genetic testing.
Genetic Testing Steps
- A cheek swab, blood or other specimen is taken
- The specimen is sent to GeneDx
- We test the DNA in the specimen
- We look for potentially harmful gene variants
- We deliver a test report to your healthcare provider