Genetic Testing and All It Entails

The study of how information is being passed from cell to cell is continuously being studied to better understand the functioning of cells. This has led to innovations and developments in treatments and cures for various illnesses and conditions affecting people every day. This cell information is typically passed through genes. Winter Park genetic testing is an example of a procedure that aims to uncover all that information. Genetic testing and its benefits are discussed further in the article below.

What is Genetic Testing?

These are the processes involved when examining your DNA. Considering your DNA carries instructions for how your body works, genetic testing may show mutations in your genes that result in disease or illness.

Genetic testing provides essential information for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. However, a positive genetic test result may not indicate disease development, while a negative result does not mean you can not get a particular disease.

Genome sequencing occurs when genetic testing does not reveal a diagnosis, but a genetic cause is suspected. This procedure involves analyzing a DNA sample from your blood.

Everyone’s genome is unique and consists of the DNA in all your genes. This complex gene testing may help isolate specific genetic variants that affect your health. This test only looks at the protein-encoding parts of the DNA, referred to as the exome.

Genetic testing helps determine the risk of certain conditions developing and their medical treatment. There are many reasons to perform genetic testing, and they are as follows:

• Presymptomatic and predictive testing

Genetic testing is performed to determine the risk of getting a condition in your family before any symptoms appear. An example of such a condition is colorectal cancer.

• Diagnostic Testing

Genetic testing can show whether you have a disorder resulting from specific mutated genetic changes that show symptoms.

• Pharmacogenetics

This genetic testing helps determine what dosage and medication are suitable for a particular disease or health condition.

• Carrier testing

Genetic testing done before you have children may help predetermine whether you and your partner can transfer the genes to your children.

• Newborn screening

This is a mandatory genetic test that tests newborns for specific genetic metabolic abnormalities that result in certain conditions. This helps identify illnesses early and plans to conduct treatment are made immediately.

• Prenatal testing

Some tests may be done when you are pregnant to test for specific abnormalities in the baby’s genes. Such abnormalities may include trisomy and down syndrome. This is done by looking at blood markers or tests like amniocentesis. Cell-free DNA testing is newer testing that studies a baby’s DNA through a blood test conducted on the mother.

• Preimplantation testing

This is a procedure performed when trying to get a child through in vitro fertilization. The embryos are checked for genetic abnormalities. The embryos with no abnormalities are implanted in the uterus, hoping to conceive.

Each passing day, more about genes and cells, in general, is being researched and discovered. This makes gene testing an essential concept in helping scientists unlock the inner workings of living organisms. Check us out online for any genetic testing inquiries, or call our Winter Park, FL offices.