Genetic testing may help you find answers for your child's epilepsy

There are a variety of types of genetic tests, ranging from panel testing, exome sequencing, and genome sequencing. All these types vary in scope, accuracy, speed, and cost. For example, exome and genome tests look at ~20,000 genes, while other tests may only study a single gene or a few hundred. Our guide helps you compare different types of genetic tests so you can make the most informed choice for your child.

Yes, if your child has received genetic testing, such as chromosomal microarray (CMA) or a multi-gene panel test, you could still be missing answers. The diagnostic rate of exome testing is ~2x greater than chromosomal microarray, and up to 4x greater for certain conditions.⁶ 23% of patients diagnosed via exome testing would not have received a diagnosis with a genetic panel.⁷

GeneDx is working with DNAvisit, a network of medical providers with a proven track record of supporting more than 200,000 genetic tests. Your DNAvisit provider will handle selecting the right test, ordering, and discussing results with you.

Sharing your child’s medical history helps ensure they receive the most appropriate care. This information is reviewed by a DNAvisit provider to determine whether genetic testing is right for your child and to select the most appropriate test based on their specific symptoms and history.

Yes. Once you start the clinical intake, you'll have the ability to download a summary to take to your doctor, instead of sending it to our telehealth provider. We'll include resources to help your provider place the order.

GeneDx exome testing is not limited to those in the United States — however, in order to access testing outside of the US, you will need to work with your doctor. Your doctor can contact us with any questions.

If you would like to proceed with testing through our telehealth partner, DNAvisit, you will have to be located in the US.

Your genetic test results will fall into one of four categories, each offering differenttypes of information about your health. Understanding what each category means canhelp you and your provider decide on next steps.


• Positive or diagnostic means a gene change has been identified that is known to cause symptoms or a specific genetic disorder.
• Negative means there were no gene changes identified at the time of testing that explain a health condition, based on current knowledge. In this case, a provider may order follow-up testing.
• Variant of uncertain significance (VUS) means a gene change was identified, but based on the available scientific evidence, it is not clear whether this is related to a health condition. In this case, a provider might suggest additional evaluations or a future reanalysis of genetic information.
• Unexpected - Rarely, genetic testing may reveal that an individual is at risk for healthconcerns that are not related to the reason for testing but may have implications formedical management. This includes the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) secondary findings, which will be included in your exome andgenome testing report unless you opt out of receiving these on your consent form. Learn more in our patient guide.

We take your child’s privacy and data security seriously. GeneDx follows strict privacy laws, including HIPAA, to protect sensitive health information. These are the same laws followed by doctors' offices. We use multiple layers of protection—like secure systems, encryption, and strict access controls—to keep your child’s information safe. We only share information with your permission, unless required by law.