Genes are encoded in your DNA. They contain important information for the growth and development of every living organism. Defects can lead to genetic disorders and diseases. A genetic blood test from ARCpoint Labs of San Rafael, can determine your risk of developing or passing on genetic disorders.
It is essential to know if you are at risk for genetic disorders or may pass them on to your children. Genetic testing can help you make the right life choices. ARCpoint Labs in San Rafael, CA, is here to support you on your journey to health and wellness.
How is Genetic Testing Done?
If you have decided to have genetic testing, your care provider will arrange for the test. The testing procedure is done as part of a genetic counseling session.
There are several ways to have a genetic blood test. Often, a buccal swab or blood sample is taken. However, genetic testing can also be done on amniotic fluid samples (during pregnancy), saliva, hair, skin, or other body tissues. After collecting the sample, a certified laboratory technician can perform one of the many tests to analyze genetic changes.
How Does Genetic Testing Help?
The immediate benefit of genetic testing is knowing your risk for certain genetic diseases such as cancer. Whether the result of a gene mutation is positive or negative, the test relieves uncertainty and helps you make better decisions about your health. For example, a negative result can save you time and money on unnecessary screenings and checkups. On the other hand, a positive result can help you determine what steps you need to take to prevent, monitor, or treat certain genetic disorders.
If you are considering starting a family, a genetic blood test can help you better decide about having children. For example, if you know you are at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to your future children, you will be mentally and practically prepared for the situation.
Information about your genetic predisposition is also important for your family members. Since genetic disorders cluster in families, the results can help your siblings understand the disorders they may have.
How Long Does Genetic Testing Take?
There is no set time between collecting a genetic sample and the result. Depending on which test your doctor used, it may take a few days to a few weeks to receive your results. Your care provider can inform you of the wait time before you receive your results.
However, prenatal test results are often available sooner than others because prenatal tests are designed to analyze DNA samples that are more readily accessible and abundant. You can expect your prenatal results in the following ways:
- Harmony test: 3 – 10 days
- Safe test: 3 – 10 days
- Panorama test: 7 – 14 days
The panorama test may take longer but is used for genetic disorders that other tests cannot detect.
Schedules Your Genetic Blood Test With ARCpoint Labs of San Rafael, CA
Genetic testing has become an indispensable area of research, prevention, and treatment of genetic disorders. Today, a genetic blood test is important for testing fertility and other genetic disorders. Whether you want to understand your genetic makeup or plan for your future family in Rafael, CA, professional genetic testing is key.
At ARCpoint Labs, we are more than just a lab. We help our clients obtain important information about their genes. All of our technicians are qualified and competent in their work. We are an outside administrator — we do not perform the tests ourselves. Instead, we collect samples and send them to certified professionals at Quest Labs. Any test that provides immediate results can be performed on-site. Contact us to schedule a consultation.