Health Library
We have a vast digital library of medical information, including wellness and psychiatry topics as well as general medical topics. For more information or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. A genetic test checks the DNA of your cells. It can find changes in your genes or chromosomes that may cause a genetic illness. The results may tell you about your ancestry, your health, or your risk for certain diseases. Testing can be done on a single gene, selected genes, or all of your genes (your genome). The test can look for a single change in a gene or check the entire gene or chromosome for changes. Genetic screening tests include prenatal screening and carrier screening. Prenatal screening checks a fetus for possible genetic problems. Carrier screening shows if an adult carries a gene change that could be passed along to their child. You inherit half of your genetics from each birth parent. Genes determine things like your blood type, hair color, and eye color. Genes can also affect your response to medicines. Genetic tests include: The results of genetic testing can affect your life. Genetic counselors are trained to help you understand your risk of getting genetic diseases or having a child with an inherited disease, such as cystic fibrosis. It may be a good idea to get genetic counseling before deciding to have testing. Genetic counseling may involve: Medical geneticists and genetic counselors are trained to help you and your family make informed decisions that are right for you. They are sensitive to physical and emotional aspects of these decisions. Your privacy and confidentiality are carefully protected. Testing may be done to: You do not need to do anything special to prepare for most of these tests. Your doctor will tell you how to prepare if you are having an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. The information found by a genetic test can have a big impact on your life. So before you have the test, you may want to talk to a genetic counselor or a doctor who specializes in genetics (geneticist). Genetic counseling can help you understand your genetic risks and decide if you want testing. Genetic testing for inherited gene changes can be done using almost any cell or tissue from the body. The type of sample needed will depend on the test. Samples used in tests include: Depending on the test, a sample of blood, saliva, amniotic fluid, or other tissue may be used. There is a very low risk of problems from taking samples of blood, saliva, or cells from a cheek swab. There are some risks with having a chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or an amniocentesis, including a small chance that the test may cause you to have a miscarriage. The information from a genetic test for inherited gene changes can affect you and your family in many ways. For example, it may affect: The results of genetic testing depend on the type of test done. For example, the results may show if you have a genetic condition, how likely it is that you will have a genetic condition in the future, or if you are a carrier for a condition. The results of prenatal genetic screening may show how likely it is that your fetus will have a genetic condition or birth defect. Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Genetic Testing and Screening
Test Overview
What are the main types of genetic testing?
How can genetic counseling help?
Why It Is Done
How To Prepare
How It Is Done
How It Feels
Risks
Risks from gathering a sample
Other risks
Results
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.