DNA health testing has become a million dollar industry in the world including Virginia. This is the reason that many companies and labs aggressively market convenient and cost effective tests directly to the consumers. Since DNA health testing has gotten easier, faster and more affordable than ever, a burgeoning number of people prefer to go for getting their DNA tested for myriad of reasons. About one-third of Americans state that they have considered getting a DNA health test. This genetic test is most likely the next big step in using genomic information in our lives. However, there are some people who still find the trend troubling since the tests have some limitations and can be hard to execute without a genetic counselor or a doctor.

Let’s throw a little light on some important things you need to know about DNA health testing….

• WHAT DOES DNA TESTING INVOLVE?

DNA testing can reveal a lot about you. The test examines your genes so as to estimate your risk of a particular ailment, find out the actual cause of cell changes and/or detect any hereditary ailments. The DNA test is typically done using a small amount of saliva or a blood sample. Since the result of DNA test may have repercussions for health, employment and for kids and siblings as well, the test should be performed in certain situations only and under a careful supervision of medical professionals.

• Is THERE A DARK SIDE TO DNA TESTING?

Even if DNA testing is good to go for as per health point of view, it does have some disturbing aspects and i.e. privacy implications. Fundamentally, your DNA is your source code and if DNA testing companies share that code either with the other companies or with law enforcement, it can be a little unsettling.

The other issue with DN testing is for those people who get their DNA tested and end up getting such results which they didn’t expect. There can be many problems associated with it, varying from issues to race to misattributed paternity. The result may disturb your family tree.

• WHAT KINDS OF DNA TESTS ARE THERE?

DNA health testing can be segmented into three general categories depending on their purposes i.e.

• Diagnostic Tests - Diagnostic tests are typically done to find the cause of an existing disease.
• Prognostic Tests - Prognostic tests help to foresee your chances of having a disease in the future. The tests can also indicate the probability of a genetic trait or a condition that may be inherited by your children.
• Predictive Tests - Predictive tests are done to determine whether a person has certain characteristics such as the efficacy of a drug that may lead to the development of a disease. Predictive tests can help to plan treatment.

To sum up, DNA testing is done not only for the health and medical purposes but also for many other reasons like forensics and Paternity Testing. The test may unveil good consequences to many but it may also bring out some unexpected outcomes. So, keep in mind the good and bad consequences of DNA health testing in mind before you decide to move forward with the tests.

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