What Is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing refers to medical tests used to determine changes in your chromosomes, genes or proteins. Thousands of tests are available to doctors to safely perform these types of analyses. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are as many as 77,000 tests, with many more being developed.
With advancements in technology and a more receptive culture to the benefits of genetic testing, the need and desire for these assessments have become more and more popular. Because of the drastic improvements and cutting-edge technology involved in genetic testing, you must rely on an experienced doctor to provide you with the tests and to read and analyze the results.
In New York City, the reliable team at Cohen Medical Practice (CMP New York) provides the kinds of expertise, tact and experience you want in a doctor performing genetic testing. Dr. Felix Cohen is the founder and director of CMP New York. He’s developed a sterling reputation as a board certified obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN).
Why Do I Need Genetic Testing?
Your NYC doctor may recommend genetic testing if you have a family history of cancer. Typically, genetic testing is done to determine the likelihood of you or your offspring developing chronic or inherited diseases. Your DNA may show that your baby may be at risk of having a birth defect.
You may want to undergo genetic screening for a number of reasons, including:
- You’re pregnant and want pregnancy genetic testing
- Testing if you have a family history of certain conditions
- Checking your risk of developing cancer
The most common cancer screening assessments include those that look for breast cancer markers, like the BRCA gene, and genetic testing for ovarian and uterine cancer. While the BRCA gene doesn’t cause cancer, when its DNA is broken, a mutation can be passed down to a female fetus. Early detection is the key to discover and treat it successfully, as Dr. Cohen applies hormone therapy or surgery.
What Conditions Do Genetic Testing Services Discover?
The boost in technological advancements has not only improved the quality of results from genetic testing, but also the range of testing services that you may be eligible to receive.
Some of the progress has been particularly helpful for checking conditions like:
- Abnormalities in chromosomes, which are the protein structures that make up your DNA and carry genetic information throughout your body
- Gene disorders attributable to a single gene
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) that allows researchers to analyze millions of tiny strands of DNA at one time
- Whether you’re a carrier of a certain gene before you even show symptoms of the disease
- Newborn and prenatal screening that’s non-invasive
- How certain drugs interact with your genetic markers
Genetic testing services are routinely performed by gynecologists for pregnant mothers, couples interested in conceiving who want to know their risk factors and women who may have difficulty getting pregnant.
How Does My NYC Gynecologist Perform Genetic Testing?
The first step in undergoing genetic testing is to visit your doctor for a consultation. When you rely on your OB/GYN who’s been providing you with your regular gynecological services, You don’t have to repeat your family history and your own medical history. This physician knows all that already.
During this consultation, you’ll review the pros and cons of genetic testing, as well as a more in-depth conversation about your history and that of your partner, who may accompany you to this appointment.
Once you’ve understood the process and agree, steps involved in genetic testing include:
- Taking sample of your blood, the amniotic fluid surrounding your fetus or your skin or hair, depending on the test
- Using a smear of saliva taken from inside your mouth, which is appropriate for certain tests
- Sending the sample to a lab, where the testing is performed
- Reporting written results to your doctor
- Reviewing the results with your doctor to determine next steps, if any
A small pinprick on the heel of a newborn provides a blood sample from babies. You also have the option of purchasing a home genetic testing kit and having results sent directly to you. If you choose this path, take the results to your doctor for review and further recommendations based on the findings.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing?
The most important benefit of genetic testing is that you can undergo early treatment when a genetic disorder is discovered. You have time to change your lifestyle and maintain closer monitoring if you find that you’re at a high risk of developing a certain disease. Positive results may cause you to rethink your options for having children.
Physical risks of genetic testing are minute when you rely on an experienced doctor to take the required samples, particularly when you’re already pregnant. Genetic testing offers a limited view of your health and must be taken in tandem with an overall review of your lifestyle and current medical condition. Also, results merely suggest risks, not inevitabilities.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and receive the best and most up-to-date information and guidance regarding genetic testing, your need for testing and an accurate interpretation of results at CMP New York. Contact the Midtown NYC gynecological practice to schedule your consultation.