What Is Genetic Testing?
Genetic testing is a medical laboratory test that examines your genes.
Genes are DNA instructions that we all inherit from our parents. Different “mistakes” in our genes, called mutations, can cause different diseases. Some of these diseases are rare, like cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease, others are common, like cancer. Genetic tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis or give you information about possible development of a disease.
Why and when you might consider genetic testing?
- When you or your family members have symptoms with a suspicion for a genetic condition
- When you have a family history of a disease
- When you might have increased risk for development of a disease
- When you might pass on the genetic disease (mutation) to your children
Why Get Tested?
Genetic testing can confirm or give you an accurate diagnosis
It helps to diagnose the disease or to identify gene changes that may increase the risk of developing a disease.
Genetic testing can help your physician select the most suitable therapeutic option and treatment for you
It helps your physician tailor clinical care specific for you and decide which medications are most effective for your treatment.
Genetic testing can help your family members
It helps determine the risks of your family members developing the condition or being a carrier.
Genetic testing can tell you about any risks of mutations being passed on to your children and can help you with decisions about pregnancy
It helps to determine the risks and health conditions of inherited genetic disease to your children.
How does genetic testing work?
Do I need genetic testing?
There can be several reasons for genetic testing such as identifying the cause of the disease or the risk of developing it. Our medical experts are available to help your doctor with any questions regarding which genetic testing might be appropriate for you at CENTOGENE.
Understanding your results
Each patient is unique and your results will be translated into a comprehensive diagnostic report which will be sent to your doctor. Your doctor can then discuss the impact of the findings on your personal health and any proactive healthcare options available to you.
How can I get tested?
At CENTOGENE, we only accept genetic tests ordered by a doctor on your behalf. As genetic testing and results are complex, we want to ensure that you have access to full support to help you make informed decisions about genetic testing and your future healthcare.
Costs and charity program
Most insurance providers cover genetic testing services but each situation is unique. If a patient is uninsured or unable to cover the cost of the testing, CENTOGENE can consider the patient for cost-free genetic and/or biochemical testing on a research basis through our charity testing program.
If you are struggling to become pregnant then genetic testing can often identify the cause, and help a significant number of couples in their desire to have children.
CentoNIPT® means safe and accurate prenatal testing and offers you information about the health and development of your child from as early as the 10th week of pregnancy.
CentoICU™ is the fastest and most comprehensive genetic testing available for newborns, infants and children less than 24 months old in intensive care.
Consult your doctor
The information obtained from genetic testing can have a profound impact on your life. Prior to any genetic testing, we strongly recommend that you seek genetic counseling to understand more about which of the following options might be beneficial for you and your family members. Genetic counseling is and important step to understand your genetic test results and their implications for you and your family members. We highly recommend genetic counseling.
At CENTOGENE, we only accept genetic tests ordered by your doctor on your behalf, to ensure that you and your family members have access to the complete information to make informed decisions about your future healthcare.
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What to ask your doctor
Download question sheetWe would like to support you with the following information to give you the possibility to start a valuable discussion with your doctor about genetic testing and treatment progress screening. Read this before you talk to your doctor.