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 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 identify if a person has the 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 tell you if 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 depends to 30% on our genes and 70% to our live style, behaviour and environmental factors.
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.