Genetic Testing

DNA fingerprinting is a test to identify and evaluate the genetic information, called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), in a person's cells. It is called a "fingerprint" because it is very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same DNA... Full Answer

The information obtained from a genetic test can have a profound impact on your life. Genetic counselors are trained to help you understand your risk for having a child with an inherited (genetic) disease, such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis,... Full Answer

All women should have genetic counseling prior to genetic testing. The choice to proceed with genetic testing is one you should consider very carefully. Decisions made from test results can change your life. And, other family members like siblings and... Full Answer

Genetic testing is not recommended to try to assess risk for coronary artery disease, the acquired adult form of heart disease that leads to heart attack. Your cardiologist can help you determine if you are a good candidate. Another developing... Full Answer

If you developed lung cancer and you had two first- degree relatives -- brother or sister, mom or dad, or aunt or uncle -- who also had lung cancer, we would refer you for genetic testing. There is ongoing research, and they’re getting... Full Answer

The benefits of genetic testing concerning heart diseases are still considered to be research primarily. However, there are certain genetic tests such as tests for sensitivity to Coumadin, beta blocker testing, ACE inhibitor testing,the "plavix... Full Answer

The limitations of genetic testing concerning heart disease is that they are in their infancy and we do not have all of the genes figured out. This would include knowing exactly what each gene does, how an abnormality in that gene will spell out how a... Full Answer

If you do not have breast cancer, you should only get tested if there is a suspicious family history of breast or ovarian cancer. This would mean multiple relatives (men or women) on your mother or father's side with breast or ovarian cancer,... Full Answer

A woman who is concerned about or is suspected to have a hereditary predisposition to ovarian cancer should undergo an initial risk evaluation. If determined necessary by the initial evaluation, the patient will then undergo a formal risk... Full Answer

Genetic testing should always include genetic counseling -- a face-to-face discussion with a genetics professional, both before and after the actual test. The important thing is the information you gain from the test, how you use the information,... Full Answer