Genetic Testing Overview
Genetic Testing overview.
Generally speaking, Genetic Testing is a laboratory test done on the blood or other tissue to find and identify genetic traits or disorders. There are hundreds of tests available and, increasingly, many genetic testing companies that offer direct-to-consumer dna and gene tests.
Some of the more specific, and popular, uses of genetic tests include the following:
Identifying genetic abnormalities or diseases in an embryo or fetus.
Identifying a specific genetic trait or disease that may be passed from a parent to his or her child.
Testing for genetic signs that might indicate a disease before the display of symptoms.
Performing a gene test to confirm an prior diagnosis for a particular disease.
Paternity testing can be performed on a child’s dna to determine his or father.
DNA can also be tested to identify an individual’s ancestry.
These are just a few of the hundreds of tests that can and are performed with genetic testing. Individuals interested in obtaining a genetic test or understanding the results may seek genetic counseling.
