Genetic Testing
Nowadays, genetic testing is an increasingly popular and effective option to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases, as it can detect changes in genes and chromosomes that may lead to the future development of hereditary diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and other rare genetic diseases.
The importance of bone marrow aspiration
Obtain valuable information about your health, ancestry and genetic traits.
These tests are known to help diagnose hereditary diseases and provide information about the risk of developing certain diseases in the future. They also serve as a guide for patients to better understand their medical condition, making informed decisions about their treatment. At Panama Cancer Clinic, genetic testing is performed by qualified professionals with unequivocal interpretation of the results.
Genetic testing is especially recommended for people with a family history of hereditary diseases.
They have a high rate of accuracy and reliability, providing key information about an individual's health and genetics.
Invasive or Non Invasive?
Saliva testing and DNA testing for hereditary diseases are noninvasive. Genetic tests such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis (prenatal) are invasive techniques.
Leaving uncertainty behind
Genetic testing can take an emotional, social and financial toll when you are waiting for the results. However, they can also be that answer you've been looking for.
The specialist
The veracity of genetic test results rests with the medical professionals who take and interpret the sample. The choice of a qualified specialist is essential for accurate results.
What are genetic tests?
Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in genes, chromosomes or proteins by analyzing a person's DNA. These changes may be related to inherited diseases or genetic traits.
Genetic test results can confirm a diagnosis, inform about the risk of developing an inherited disease, and provide information about a person's ancestry and genetic traits.
Types of genetic tests
There are different types of studies that are part of the term "genetic testing", some of them are:
- Molecular tests.
- Cytogenetic tests.
- Biochemical tests.
- Invasive prenatal tests (amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling).
- Whole exome sequencing.
- Genetic testing for hereditary diseases.
- Genetic testing for mutations in specific genes.
- Genetic testing to examine a person's ancestry and genetic traits.
How are genetic tests performed?
Genetic testing is performed using a sample of blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid or saliva. This sample is sent to a specialized laboratory where the DNA is analyzed to detect possible changes or mutations in the genes that may be related to hereditary or genetic diseases.
How to prepare for a genetic test?
To prepare for a genetic test, it is important to consider the following:
- Talk to your doctor or genetic counselor to understand the risks and benefits of testing, and whether it is necessary or recommended.
- Make sure you know what testing options are available and what results they can provide.
- Discuss the costs and find out if your insurance plan covers the expenses.
- Educate yourself and try to understand the results and how they may affect future treatment or care.
- Talk to the specialist about any prior preparation that may be necessary before the procedure, such as avoiding certain medications, foods, among others.
What results can be expected?
The results of a genetic test may vary depending on the type of test performed. In some cases, the results may indicate the presence or risk of developing certain genetic diseases. In other cases, the results may be negative, meaning that no significant genetic mutations have been found.