Genetic Testing
According to the National Institute of Health, “genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins.”
This, of course, is putting the definition of genetic testing simply and in very general terms. What is of interest, however, to most people recently are the increasing uses that testing genes have for many patients. The ability to test DNA can help locate certain inherited disorders in order to possibly rule out a suspected condition or to identify looming problems that have yet to fully develop or that may be passes on the one’s offspring. In fact, there are many hundred types of genetic tests currently available and more being developed regularly.
There are several genetic testing companies that offer consumers the ability to have their dna tested with an at-home or direct-to-consumer genetic test. Usually a company will mail the consumer a test kit and a sample of DNA is obtained, usually via a swab of saliva from the cheek. This sample is then returned to the company where a genetic test can be performed.
More information on Genetic Counseling.
