What are genetic tests?
An overview of the methods for determining DNA details
Laurin Steffens
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Genetic testing is a process and technique that can be used to determine details of DNA. Depending on the test, it can provide information about the ancestry and health of people in their families.
What are the health benefits?
One way that genomic research can be useful for health is through the emerging field of precision medicine. In particular, the characteristics of one's own genetic material can help predict how you will respond to certain medications, so that the doctor can choose the appropriate prevention or treatment options.
Predictive testing are intended for people who have a family member with a genetic disorder. The findings help determine a person's risk of developing the specific disorder. These tests are done before symptoms show up.
Diagnostic tests are used to confirm or rule out a suspected genetic disorder. The results of a diagnostic test can help you make decisions about treating or managing your own health.
Pharmacogenomic testing provide information about how you react to certain medications. They can help the healthcare provider figure out how to best treat a condition and avoid side effects.
Reproductive testing relate to starting or expanding the family. They include tests for the biological father and mother to determine which genetic variants they carry. The tests can help parents and healthcare providers make decisions before, during, and after pregnancy.
Direct-to-consumer testing or so-called self-tests can be carried out at home without a healthcare provider by taking a DNA sample (e.g. spitting saliva into a tube) and sending it to a company. The company can analyze DNA and provide information about lineage, kinship, lifestyle factors, and potential disease risks.
References
Publiziert
16.9.2024
Kategorie
Science
Experte
Scientific Terms
Genome
The entire DNA sequence of an organism or virus. The genome is essentially a huge set of instructions for making the individual parts of a cell and for controlling the entire process.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
Genetic testing is a process and technique that can be used to determine details of DNA. Depending on the test, it can provide information about the ancestry and health of people in their families.
What are the health benefits?
One way that genomic research can be useful for health is through the emerging field of precision medicine. In particular, the characteristics of one's own genetic material can help predict how you will respond to certain medications, so that the doctor can choose the appropriate prevention or treatment options.
Predictive testing are intended for people who have a family member with a genetic disorder. The findings help determine a person's risk of developing the specific disorder. These tests are done before symptoms show up.
Diagnostic tests are used to confirm or rule out a suspected genetic disorder. The results of a diagnostic test can help you make decisions about treating or managing your own health.
Pharmacogenomic testing provide information about how you react to certain medications. They can help the healthcare provider figure out how to best treat a condition and avoid side effects.
Reproductive testing relate to starting or expanding the family. They include tests for the biological father and mother to determine which genetic variants they carry. The tests can help parents and healthcare providers make decisions before, during, and after pregnancy.
Direct-to-consumer testing or so-called self-tests can be carried out at home without a healthcare provider by taking a DNA sample (e.g. spitting saliva into a tube) and sending it to a company. The company can analyze DNA and provide information about lineage, kinship, lifestyle factors, and potential disease risks.
Experte
Referenzen
Publiziert
16.9.2024
Kategorie
Science
Wissenschaftliche Begriffe
Genome
The entire DNA sequence of an organism or virus. The genome is essentially a huge set of instructions for making the individual parts of a cell and for controlling the entire process.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
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