The term “genetic testing” refers to any test that is carried out to obtain information about certain aspects of a person’s genetic status by revealing an existing or potential medical problem. Genetic tests are performed at the request of the patient or their legal representative, health professionals or researchers.
During your cancer risk assessment, the genetic counselor will discuss whether genetic testing is an option for you or your family to consider. Genetic testing involves analyzing a blood sample for specific changes in the DNA, or genetic information. The decision to have genetic testing is a personal choice that can be made at the time of the counseling visit, or at a future date.
Genetic testing is a scientific process that allows an individual to determine whether he is susceptible to particular types of diseases, or whether he is likely to pass on an inherited disease or trait. Genetic testing works by studying the individual’s DNA; certain chromosomes can reveal important information about health and disease. The process is voluntary, and can be used for a range of different purposes. One fairly common type of genetic testing is prenatal testing, in which a doctor will screen a fetus to see if it has a genetic or chromosomal disorder, such as Down’s syndrome. Prenatal testing is common in mothers over 35, who are at higher risk of giving birth to children with mental disabilities. In some cases, the negative results of genetic testing done on the fetus will influence the parents to terminate the pregnancy. Another form of genetic testing is common in newborn babies. Newborn screening can identify conditions that are likely to affect young children, many of w
