Genetic Testing: Become Aware of Your Health Risks

Do you want to learn about your disease risks, drug sensitivities, and what you may pass on to your children? Then a genetic test may be an option for you. ANOVA can help you answer your questions.

Every cell of the human body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes which are made of DNA. Our DNA contains 20.000 genes, which not only define that we are human beings but also how we look - for example our hair color - but it can also to a certain extend tell us in which way we age. Furthermore, some of the illnesses threatening us are encoded in our genes.

This becomes especially important in terms of illnesses in the family history. Many diseases are based on mutations in our genetic code and since we know where the mutations are located, we can assess whether a person carries a genetic risk of getting a certain disease. Even some cancerous diseases are associated with congenital mutations. A genetic test may help better estimate your personal risk in these areas.

The advantages of genetic testing do not only lie in predictive testing, but also in diagnostics. If your symptoms suggest a disease caused by mutations within your DNA, a test can potentially confirm or disprove the suspected diagnosis. Another use is in family planning. If there is an inherited disease or risk factor in your family, specific tests can help assess whether your child may be affected as well.

Every one of us is unique and so is our DNA. Genetic testing has the potential to answer our questions about ourselves and our health.

ANOVA offers a variety of genetic tests. Make an appointment with our physicians to find out which test are available.

Should you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Facts About Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing can be Done From:

  • Blood samples (most often)
  • Cheek swap
  • Skin biopsy
  • Amniotic fluid and chorionic villus sampling in prenatal testing

Usage

  • Predictive genetic testing
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Carrier testing
  • Prenatal testing
  • New-born screening
  • Pre-implantation testing

Facts About DNA

  • DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid.
  • The human DNA consist of 3 billion base pairs.
  • Only 2 % of the human DNA is encoding for genes. These areas are called “Exons”.
  • Our life expectancy is thought to depend only in part on our genes, with lifestyle, behaviour and environmental factors playing the larger role.

 

Conclusion

Genetic testing is a tool to understand some of your health risks and risks to develop certain diseases. Based on your genetic test and your personal health status, a physician can potentially give you advice in terms of live style changes to reduce your risks in specific areas.

A positive test does not in every case mean that you will certainly develop a disease. A thorough analysis of your entire health status is necessary to evaluate the probability of developing certain diseases. You should always discuss your expectations and concerns with your physician.

Genetic testing is a very personal decision with long-range consequences, as it may not only affect you, but also your family.

Make an appointment with our physicians who will give you further information and answer your questions.

Portrait of Dr. med. Dr. phil. Dr. med. habil. Michael K. Stehling, founder and medical director of ANOVA IRM.
Author and medically reviewed by

Dr. med. Dr. phil. Dr. med. habil. Michael K. Stehling

Dr. Stehling is a physicist and physician who was involved in the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with Nobel laureate Sir Peter Mansfield. He founded ANOVA IRM in Offenbach, Germany, where autologous mesenchymal stem cell secretome (MSEC) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC) are manufactured under German regulatory authorisation and official inspection.

Patient Services at ANOVA Institute for Regenerative Medicine

  • Located in the center of Germany, quick access by car or train from anywhere in Europe
  • Simple access worldwide, less than 20 minutes from Frankfurt Airport
  • Individualized therapy with state-of-the-art autologous stem cell products
  • Individually planned diagnostic work-up which include world-class MRI and CT scans
  • German high quality standard on safety and quality assurance
  • Personal service with friendly, dedicated Patient Care Managers
  • Continuous analysis of scientific data in the field of regenerative medicine