With millions of people living with genetic diseases, testing is more valuable than ever. The wellness test helps doctors establish if you are at risk of a genetic disorder. Genetic testing also helps determine if you can pass faulty genes to your offspring.
How do genetic tests work? Learn from the experts at ARCpoint Labs of Martinez how genetic testing is done and how long it takes to get the results.
How is Genetic Testing Done?
A genetic test is similar to a typical health and wellness test. The process begins with you giving a sample, which can be blood, a cheek swab, or saliva.
Upon providing a sample for genetic testing, clinicians use various lab techniques to detect genetic markers linked to certain diseases or conditions. The test could be positive or negative.
In case of a positive result, a genetic counselor will recommend a custom management plan to go on the results. The program may include treatment to manage an underlying condition or a lifestyle change to reduce the risk.
How Does Genetic Testing Help?
Taking a genetic blood test has many benefits. For one, the test will help detect your risk of developing a given genetic illness. These illnesses include Huntington’s disease, Wilson’s disease, and Hemochromatosis. Other ways that a genetic blood test can help include the following:
Carrier Testing
Carrier testing is a type of test that helps clinicians establish if you carry inheritable defective genes. Such genes include those that can lead to sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. While anyone can check if they have faulty genes, the genetic test is more valuable to couples planning to get kids.
Health Diagnosis
Like many other tests, genetic testing can be a diagnostic procedure. This is the case when you show symptoms of genetic diseases. Such symptoms may include mental retardation and unexplained muscle weakness.
Newborn Screening
A genetic blood test is part of the newborn screening process. It helps your clinician detect congenital issues like sickle cell anemia and congenital hypothyroidism. Your doctor can also use genetic testing to detect signs of cystic fibrosis, hemoglobin SC disease, and many other conditions.
Preimplantation Testing
Genetic tests take center stage in preimplantation testing. Your clinician uses the genetic test to assess whether an embryo has chromosomal anomalies. The genetic-test-supported screening eliminates the chances of passing on inherited diseases.
Pharmacogenetics
Sometimes medical professionals use a genetic blood test to assess how your body may react to certain medications. Based on this information, your doctor can choose the best drug and prescribe a dosage for the best treatment results.
How Long Does Genetic Testing Take?
Genetic testing is quite simple. The consultation and sample collection process only take a few minutes. The testing process at ARCpoint Labs or Martinez, which entails collecting your blood, saliva, or cheek swab samples, takes only 10 to 20 minutes.
After you submit your samples, you will receive your genetic report within a few days to weeks. Often, the length depends on the type of gene test you are undergoing. If you take a simple genetic test, you’ll get results in a few days. However, if you undertake a complex genetic examination, you will wait a few days for the results.
Schedule Your Genetic Blood Test With ARCpoint Labs of Martinez, CA
ARCpoint Labs in Martinez, CA, is a trusted third-party provider working with Quest Labs. We excel at providing reliable health and wellness services to businesses and individuals. Our partner, Quest Lab, performs tests under the highest level of accuracy and confidentiality. So count on us when you need wellness screening, not just a genetic blood test.
Contact us now to schedule your genetic blood test.