How DNA Health Testing Works

Genetic health tests are convenient, non-invasive and at the cutting edge of medical diagnostic technology. DNA testing is becoming popular among people who wish to analyze their risk for developing an inherited disease. A variety of companies today offer genetic health testing services, usually in the form of an online ordered spit or swab kit. Many believe that DNA testing will become a standard medical procedure in the coming years. Are you ready to join this revolution in personal health care management?

Understanding Your DNA

Almost every cell in your body contains the complete instruction set to build an entire you. These instructions come in the form of a ladder-shaped molecule known as DNA. This molecule is organized in structures called chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with half of each pair inherited from either parent. Chromosomes are typically studied in shorter segments called genes. These noteworthy partitions determine many interesting traits – from eye color to the type of earwax a person has.

Observable traits are referred to as phenotypes. Most phenotypes result from the interaction between your genes and the environment. Because DNA health tests only examines genes (not the environment that you live in), the results from genetic testing cannot conclude whether or not specific traits will be expressed, but only the likelihood that a phenotype will develop. For many people, this information alone can be useful for determining one’s chance of developing an inherited disease.

How A DNA Health Test Works

To get your DNA health test, you must first order a kit from an online store. There are several reputable genetic testing services online – google around to get an idea of what’s offered. After a kit has been received, a sample of your DNA must be collected and sent back to the lab. Some kits contain a plastic container that you must spit directly into; others require a swabbed sample from the inside of your cheek. Once sent back to the lab, your DNA will be exposed to a special device called a DNA chip. This chip features a surface that is outfitted with thousands of probes to test for DNA sequences called SNP’s (snips). SNP’s are genes that are known to come in more than one variation. A SNP can therefore reveal if you have a predisposition for a certain trait, or not, based on the gene copy that you carry. Although this type of testing doesn’t analyze genetic code beyond known SNP’s , it can quickly and affordably test your DNA for many potential health risks.

Testing For Disease

DNA testing can reveal if you or your children are at risk for developing an inherited disease. Genetic health tests look for mutations in your DNA. These markers can determine your chances for developing a range of conditions including: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay-Sachs and diabetes. DNA testing for chronic and lifestyle diseases is a rapidly growing field. It is expected that hundreds and eventually thousands of diseases will be identifiable through DNA testing in the coming years.

Receiving and Interpreting Results

Many DNA testing services make their client’s results accessible online for convenient viewing. These services allow a client to browse their SNP variations and their corresponding risk level for developing certain health conditions. When new medical findings have been published, a client’s test results may be updated to reflect these insights.

Conclusion

Breakthroughs in technology have made DNA health testing affordable, easy to administer, and available to anyone willing to pay a few hundred dollars. Genetic testing is certain to become a standard medical practice in a few short years, but many are jumping on this bandwagon early to better manage their personal health.