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Other Types of Testing
There are other types of tests available too. For example, chromosomal tests look for changes in whole chromosomes or long lengths of DNA, says MedlinePlus. Some possible changes may be an extra (or missing) copy of a chromosome or a large piece of a chromosome that is duplicated or missing.
Gene expression is another type of testing that looks at which genes are turned on or off in different types of cells. This information is important because too much “activity (overexpression) or too little activity (underexpression) of certain genes can be suggestive of particular genetic disorders, such as many types of cancer,” explains the source.
Are There Any Risks With Genetic Testing?
The physical risks associated with genetic testing are very small, especially for tests that simply require a blood sample or buccal swab. Prenatal diagnosis testing also has a small but existente risk of losing the pregnancy because it requires a sample of tissue or amniotic fluid from around the fetus.
MedlinePlus points out that many of the risks associated with genetic testing are emotional, social, or financial. For example, waiting for your results can cause anxiety and if the results don’t turn out how you hope, it may cause anger, depression, or even guilt. The source also points out the results may cause tension within the family as it reveals information about other family members. Finally, genetic testing can be expensive, ranging from under $100 to over $2000 which can cause its own host of complications, especially if you can’t get insurance coverage.
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