Question 1

can genetic testing ever be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Sure: Genetic testing can be wrong due to many possible problems: mixed up specimens from someone else; degraded dna that can't be analyzed; lab errors in procedures; errors in reporting the results.  You should always check on the lab and go over the diagnoses with a physician who knows you and as appropriate with a genetic counselor.  A lot of this testing is highly automated, but can still have error.

Question 2

how much does genetic testing cost?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It really depends.  If your affected family member(s) have already had detailed testing, testing for you can cost just a few hundred dollars, depending on what kind of syndrome.  If you are "fishing" for a diagnosis, this can costs many thousands of dollars.  Generally genetic tests should be done only if there is a specific question that you and your doctor are trying to answer.

Question 3

can you tell me is genetic testing a waste?

Accepted Answer

Depends on situation: Some genetic tests are detailed, specific and allow you to know what to expect from the patient in the future. Chromosome studies, fish probes for diagnostic markers, etc provide information early that allows early detection and treatment of silent problems.Other studies are less specific and only suggest an increased risk for some condition.Value is in the eye of the person seeking information.

Question 4

what are the pros and cons of genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Molecular genetic: testing &amp; a  Fragile X Syndrome probe are recommended for people of any age with developmental delays, Intellectual Disability  &amp;/or Autistic Spectrum Disorder. People at risk of transmitting mutant genes because of ethnicity, family history or consanguity need pre-pregnancy testing. Chromosomal array on amniotic fluid is offered to women with high risk of fetal Down Syndrome &amp; other aneuploidies.

Question 5

is genetic testing necessary for cmt diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

No: Diagnosis can be made by other means, though genetic testing will provide confirmation and pin point the defect. See this site for more info.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0001741/.

Question 6

can you force a family member to get genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

No: An  individual must give permission to have genetic testing performed. Carrier testing for genetic disease is usually not done in children until they are able to give informed consent.

Question 7

can you tell me about genetic testing what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Nonspecific question: There are dozens of tests that might be labeled as relating to genetic disease. Most look at a specific issue (genetic problem) and test blood or tissue for evidence that the patient has a genetic profile that shows they do or don't have the condition or are a carrier.

Question 8

what are some of the positive outcomes of genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Vast issue: Genetic testing can help with diagnosis of tumors, indicate optimal treatment of tumors and other disease, help in prognostication, risk of development of some diseases, e.g. Colon cancer. Genetic testing is essential for counseling in inherited disorders, e.g., tay sachs disease. Genetic testing may be used for diagnosing diseases in the fetus and the list is increasing rapidly.

Question 9

please tell me what implications are there for genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy: Today, most (not all) people and most governments believe that if a person will suffer from serious disease that is determined by the genes they carry, they need to know so that they can make their own decisions -- and that mothers should make the decisions for their unborn children up to and including abortion. This is the principal "implication" in our often-cruel world. Best wishes.

Question 10

what are the disadvantages and advantages of getting genetic testing done.?

Accepted Answer

Genetic counselor: You should talk with a genetic counselor regarding the specific disease(s) you are worried about.  The pros include being able to plan for long-term, reproductive issues, and maybe getting into a clinical trial.  The cons include depression or worse with a positive test, not knowing when the disease will strike, and possibly affecting your ability to be insured (even it shouldn't).

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Genetic testing

A member asked:

Can genetic testing ever be wrong?

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How much does genetic testing cost?

A member asked:

Can you tell me is genetic testing a waste?

A member asked:

What are the pros and cons of genetic testing?

A member asked:

Is genetic testing necessary for cmt diagnosis?

A member asked:

Can you force a family member to get genetic testing?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about genetic testing what does it mean?

A member asked:

What are some of the positive outcomes of genetic testing?

A member asked:

Please tell me what implications are there for genetic testing?

A member asked:

What are the disadvantages and advantages of getting genetic testing done.?

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