According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.”1
It’s a process that typically involves a simple blood draw or saliva sample that is then analyzed to:
- aid in family planning by determining carrier status for genetic disorders a parent(s) could pass on to children (known as carrier screening)
- gain insights about the health of your baby during pregnancy through various tests, from serum screening to noninvasive prenatal testing (also called cfDNA screening) to diagnostic testing
- assess your risk levels for specific hereditary cancers, such as breast, prostate, and pancreatic
Want to learn more?
- Examine the various types of genetic testing available
- Learn more about diseases and conditions that can be identified through genetic testing
- Watch our genetic counseling videos
Questions about costs and insurance coverage?
Visit the billing section of our website or use our cost estimator.
If you’ve not had a test and have questions about costs or coverage, use our estimator.
If you have already had a test performed, we can help answer questions about results.
Ask questions about genetic testing options or results, or schedule an appointment.
Reference
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Genetics Home Reference. What is genetic testing? https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/testing/genetictesting. Accessed June 15, 2017.