What is genetic testing?
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 screening (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
Additional Resources
Questions about costs and insurance coverage
Visit the billing section of our website or use our cost estimator.
Understand Your Results
If you have already had a test, we can answer questions about your results.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counselors translate and communicate genetic information into practical, understandable terms.
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.