At AccessDNA we know our users have many questions about their genetics. We have prepared the FAQ's below to address the most common questions that we hear about genetics and genetics testing. Please visit our Education Center to to obtain specific information on specific genetic tests and conditions.
Does health insurance cover genetic
testing?
Not all insurance companies currently cover genetic testing or all
types of genetic testing. We recommend contacting your insurance
provider to see the genetic tests they cover (if any). Your insurance
company may request special medical codes used for billing purposes
called CPT codes. We recommend asking the business office manager at
your doctor’s office or your genetic counselor for assistance with
this. For more information see: Genetics & Insurance.
Can genetic testing be performed
anonymously?
Some laboratories allow genetic testing to be performed under an
"alias." The sample is identified by a coded number or other identifier
that does not reveal any personal information. We recommend speaking
with a genetic counselor for more information. Use our find
a professional directory to locate a trained genetic
professional in your area.
How long does it take to get results
of genetic testing?
The time it takes to get results back varies and depends on a number of
factors. These factors may include:
- Type of lab procedures used
- The size of the laboratory
- Lab testing schedule
- Number of mutations being tested
- If a retest is needed
- Size of the gene or number of genes being tested
How much does genetic testing cost?
The cost of testing varies greatly and depends on a number of factors.
These factors may include:
- Type of lab procedures used
- Size of the gene or number of genes being tested
- Labor costs
- Number of mutations being tested
- If the tested being performed in a private, university or
research lab
What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling is a process in which a genetic professional
educates individuals or families about their risk of having a child
with a genetic condition, passing on a genetic predisposition to
certain diseases or of having inherited a condition themselves. The
goal of genetic counseling is not only risk assessment, but also to
explain the natural history, cause, and inheritance of a condition; the
availability of genetic testing; as well as all management and
treatment options. Most genetic counseling sessions last about 60
minutes. For more information see: What is a Genetic Consultation?
How do you become a genetic counselor?
Genetic Counselors have at least a master's degree in genetic
counseling, human genetics or a related field. A list of genetic
counseling programs can be found at the a National Society of Genetic Counselors
website.
More information about genetic counseling as a career can alsbe found
at the National Society of Genetic Counselors
website.
I am pregnant, should I have genetic
testing/counseling?
The decision to have genetic testing is personal. If you are pregnant
and are curious about your screening and testing options, a genetic
counselor is trained to help you make the decision that’s right for
you. Many OB/GYN's refer their patients for genetic counseling early in
pregnancy. For more information about genetic testing and screening
options during pregnancy see: Genetic Testing in Pregnancy.
What if I had genetic testing with my
husband for our first baby? Do I need to get testing again?
It depends on what type of testing: carrier testing or fetal genetic
testing (see Medical Genetic Testing for more
info).
Typically, if you have had carrier testing in the past, it does not
need to be repeated in subsequent pregnancies. The exception is if the
carrier test has improved (tests for more mutations resulting in higher
detection rate). Also, more and more carrier tests become available
each year. A genetic counselor can review what tests you’ve had and
inform you if additional or more accurate carrier tests are available.
In terms of fetal genetic testing, each pregnancy is new with its own
risks. Therefore, genetic testing and screening options need to be
discussed with each pregnancy. For more information about genetic
testing and screening options during pregnancy see: Genetic Testing in Pregnancy.
Is there an age requirement/minimum
for genetic testing?
Although there is no specific age requirement/minimum for all types of
genetic testing, when a genetic test is being considered for a child,
health professionals and parents should ask themselves the following
questions:
- Does the test immediately impact the child’s health and/or
are there measures that can be taken to prevent the child from
developing the condition?
- Is the child already showing signs and symptoms of a
possible genetic condition?
- Is the genetic test in the child’s best interest, medically
and psychologically?
- Could the test do the child more harm than good?
- Is it possible to wait until the child is an adult and can
make the decision to have testing themselves?
Some genetic conditions do not have symptoms until adulthood. Genetic
testing for these "adult-onset" conditions is called presymptomatic (or
predictive) genetic testing (see Medical Genetic Testing for more
info). The American Society of Human Genetics in conjunction with the
American College of Medical Genetics as well as the National Society of
Genetic Counselors have issued statements regarding this type of
testing:
Is it possible for my genetics to
change over time?
Yes and no. Mutations in our DNA, which are inherited from our parents,
are called constitutional. Typically, these mutations are present in
every cell of our body. These mutations may be harmless, predispose us
to certain health conditions or cause genetic conditions. Other
mutations may occur sporadically in our body in a single cell or tissue
due to errors in cell division or DNA replication as well as with
environment damage, like smoking or sun exposure. These types of DNA
mutations are called focal. Our bodies typically repair these
mutations, however, as our body ages, it becomes less able to repair
DNA damage and the damage may become irreparable and cause tumors.
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