After taking the genetic test what should you expect?
Of course the first step is interpreting the test results.If you test positive it will be important that you take appropriate action.
What happens if I test positive?
The interpretation of a positive result will depend on why the testing was done in the first place.
We covered the most common reasons WHY a genetic test was conducted in What is Preventative Genetic Testing.
- To identify hereditary diseases in your family DNA
- To confirm a suspected disease based on existing symptoms
- To help determine preventative treatment plans
- To determine what medicines and dosages are right for a person
As you read this list of the most common reason WHY a genetic test is conducted you may also be asking yourself ‘What are the most common types of genetic tests?’ Click Here to learn more about the most common types of test available.
So let’s tackle these one at a time…
If your genetic test was done for preventative reasons for yourself, children or grandchildren it will be important to take two steps of action.
First, you’ll want to follow up with your primary care physician regarding the results of the test to determine the best preventative treatment options available to you.
Many of these preventative treatment options will be highly specialized. For this reason your primary care physician will probably refer you to a specialist who will provide you with specific guidance.
*The type of medical specialist you will see will be determined by what the test uncovered in your DNA.
Your second step will be to inform your family members, most importantly your children and grandchildren so they are aware of these potential genetic predispositions.
This is very helpful for them, because they can potentially take very important steps early in life. The preventative steps they can potentially take could have life-saving impact to keep them healthy and disease free.
If the test was taken based on a suspected disease because of your symptoms then preventative treatment will be your top priority.
As mentioned above any positive results that identify genetic predisposition they should be taken to your primary care physician. The only case in which you may go directly to a specialist is if you are already consulting one because you had been previously experiencing symptoms.
There are a wide range of preventative treatment options for heart disease, cancer, diabetes etc. It will be important that your preventative treatment plan be aligned with what’s best for your current health.
Preventative treatments are not ‘one size fits all’ cures. You should always consult a licensed medical practitioner and take preventative treatment under their supervision.
| One important note to remember, is that testing positive for a genetic test does not mean you have a disease or that you are guaranteed to get that disease. In simple terms testing positive on a genetic test for a disease only means you may be at higher risk than another person with a different set of genes in their family. |
If you took the test to confirm the best medications and dosages for your weekly routine then of course you will have a very practical next step.
You will want to follow up with all prescribing doctors of medications you are currently taking. This most likely will include a primary care physician but this may go beyond that. This could also extend to any other medical practitioner who is currently prescribing you medications.
Of course the benefit to this, is that it will help reduce unnecessary side affects from the prescription medications you are taking. Not only will it help ensure you are taking the correct prescription medications but also the correct dosage amount for your own body.
In many ways, this is another form of preventative care for your overall health. By taking this step you will prevent future health issues that your current medication may unknowingly be contributing to.
If you feel like a genetic DNA test might be the right next step for you, you can read about the most common types of genetic tests with this article about Cardiac Genetic Testing or this article about Cancer Genetic Testing.
From the FTC Fact Sheet on Genetic Testing
Link To The FTC Fact Sheet
These are two important facts to keep in mind reported by the FDA regarding at-home consumer genetic testing:
Validity of Genetic Tests According To The FDA And CDC
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the manufacturers of genetic tests; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which promotes health and quality of life, some of these tests lack scientific validity, and others provide medical results that are meaningful only in the context of a full medical evaluation.
Claims Of Genetic Tests
Having a particular gene doesn’t necessarily mean that a disease will develop; not having a particular gene doesn’t necessarily mean that the disease will not.
