Genetic testing involves the analysis of a person's DNA, RNA, chromosomes, genes, proteins, or certain metabolites.
Typically, genetic testing is used to find changes that are associated with inherited conditions called medical (clinical) genetic testing. The results of a medical genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition; aid in the prediction, prevention or treatment of a condition; or help determine the chance to pass down a genetic condition.
Recently, genetic tests have been developed for other purposes, such as learning about genetic genealogy (ancestry testing), determining if certain people are related to one another (biological relationship testing), identifying the perpetrator or victim of a crime (forensic genetic testing), or discovering some of the genetic influences behind our interesting differences (informational genetic testing and whole genome scanning).
There are currently over 1000 genetic tests available with an ever growing number available via the internet, called at-home (direct-to-consumer) genetic testing. The amount of information can sometimes be overwhelming, even misleading.
It is important to understand that genetic testing offered online or through an in person genetic consultation is always voluntary and should always include the process of informed consent, expert test interpretation, and appropriate follow-up services such as specialist referrals and psychological support.
Genetic testing has both benefits and limitations. Sometimes there are even risks to genetic testing, such as with prenatal testing. The decision to test or not to test is a very personal and complex one. A genetic counselor or trained genetic professional can help by assessing individual risk and providing information about the pros and cons of the test as well as any possible social and emotional effects of the test.