DNA Conversation Starter #2: Why Do Genetic Testing?
Does the term “genetic testing” conjure up thoughts of cloned, robot-like human beings and malevolent plots to rule the world? If so, you’ve been reading too much science fiction! The truth is, DNA testing has been put to very beneficial use for decades, primarily in the medical, law enforcement, and legal fields. And with the dramatic scientific advancements that have occurred in recent years, genetic testing has become a valuable resource for general consumers as well. Today, companies like Pathway Genomics are making it easy and affordable for consumers to test their DNA privately and securely.
By testing for common genetic variations or changes in your DNA, commonly referred to single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs (pronounced: “snips”), consumers can understand more about their personal biology, and take more proactive control of their health and wellbeing.
Drug response
Pathway’s genetic health report can reveal a person’s tolerance to certain medications. Not all drugs are equally effective for all people—and some medicines can trigger adverse reactions in some individuals. By knowing your sensitivity to Plavix (a drug used to protect against heart attack or stroke), Coumadin (a highly prescribed blood thinner), birth control pills, and other common medications, you can work more effectively with your doctor to determine optimal medical treatment.
Disease
Genetic test reports can also provide you with a wealth of information about your predisposition to certain health events—from chronic conditions like allergies and asthma to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and more. It’s important to note that having a genetic marker or SNP that is associated with a health disorder does not mean that you will develop this disease or condition. However, having reliable information about your genetic “blueprint” can help you make more informed decisions about your health and wellness.
Carrier status
It’s also important to know that some diseases are recessive; meaning that both copies of a gene must be defective to have the disease. In recessive conditions you may have a single copy of a defective gene even if you are not directly experiencing a specific health condition. This is commonly referred to as carrier status. As is true of all of your genes, a defective copy can be passed on to your offspring; increasing your child’s chances of being affected with the disease or condition. If both parents are carriers of a particular genetic marker, each child of the couple has a 25% chance of inheriting two copies of the disease-causing variant and developing the disease. By accessing genetic information, couples can make more-informed family-planning decisions.
Ancestral path
Genetic testing can also uncover information about your family’s ancestral path. For some people this could be simply a topic of interest. For others—such as individuals who were adopted—tracing one’s ancestry can provide valuable information about the genetic makeup history of their ancient relatives.
Once you have your genetic test report, then what? That’s another area where Pathway Genomics makes the experience simple and convenient, with a comprehensive, yet easy-to-read, action-orientated genetic test report. If you’re still asking yourself, “What is genetic testing?” look for DNA Conversation Starter #1 on our blog. If you are curious about what you can learn from genetic testing, look forward to Pathway’s next DNA Conversation Starter.