Do you know everything about the genetic test? We give some essential keys from our health blog. Because a person inherits half of their genetic information from their parents and who are genes determine which genetic traits are inheriting, such as the color of eyes and hair, but also risks of certain diseases.

Therefore, the genetic test examines the DNA of cells of an individual to identify changes in the genes or analyzing the number, arrangement and characteristics of chromosomes and detection tests can be performed on blood samples, urine, spittle, semen, and feces, to body tissues, bones or hair.

What is genetic testing?

This test is used to:

– Find out whether people who have a family history with a specific disease is likely to develop the disease.

– Check if you are a carrier of metabolic diseases, such as phenylketonuria, which can help guide the most appropriate treatment for the baby.

– Provides prenatal testing during pregnancy to help identify certain diseases in the fetus.

– Know if the fetus has Down syndrome.

– Determine the newborn which diseases are causing problems with health and development.

– Whether carry a genetic change that increases the risk of disease, such as breast cancer or Huntington’s disease or that may affect the treatment of diseases such as HIV or some cancers.

– Choose which drugs work best with your genetic makeup.

Genetic testing

This test does not need any preparation, just talk to your doctor tell few concerns about the same or even with a genetic counselor to help you understand the risk of developing a genetic disease.

For the test will take a blood sample from the vein, which generally will not produce any pain as much a slight pinch, after which no effect only one bruise on the place where he has made the puncture; only in rare cases can cause phlebitis or people suffering from coagulation disorders, one extreme bleeding.

Results of genetic testing

The results of genetic testing depend on what type of test being performed, but can be used for:

– Provide information on the possibility of developing a disease in the future.

– Diagnose an inherited disease, provide information on the severity of it or determine if you are a carrier of the disease.

– Assistance in choosing the treatment best suited for some diseases, such as cancer.

As disadvantage I must say that genetic testing has generally has a low risk of negative impact on physical health, but can be difficult to find out the results at both financially and emotionally.

What do you think all this information about genetic testing? Have you ever done one? Share with us your experience.