A genetic test, also known as DNA testing, can be used to identify anomalies in a person’s DNA, chromosomes or proteins. Doctors take blood, skin or hair samples to determine if there is a genetic disorder. This helps us to identify the factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of a particular genetic disease.
What does genetic testing look for?
Genetic testing’s primary purpose is to identify chromosome and protein changes in a person’s genes. Genetic testing can help you better understand your DNA components. Genetic testing is also useful in determining if you have a particular condition or if your genes contain mutations that you can pass to your children.
Types Of Genetic Testing
Because no one test is able to detect all genetic conditions, it is common for your doctor to perform multiple genetic tests. Genetic testing is tailored to the individual, based on their medical and family history. These tests include:
- Single gene testing: This test looks for any changes or alterations in one gene. Your healthcare provider will perform this single test if you or your child are suffering from a particular condition.
- Panel Testing: A panel genetic test is a test that searches for mutations in multiple genes using one test. The medical issue that is being tested for by these panels is grouped together. These medical concerns can include low muscle tone, short stature or epilepsy.
- Two types of large-scale genetic testing or genomic testing are available for this type of testing. These are:
- Exome Sequencing is a type of test that examines the genes within the DNA and the genes associated to a particular medical condition.
- Genome Sequencing is also known as genome Sequencing. This test examines the entire DNA of an individual and not just the genes.
Patients with complex medical histories require the sequencing of their exomes and genomes.
Conclusion
Discuss the possibility of genetic testing with your primary care provider if you have a family history of a specific genetic condition
