Genetic testing is a type of medical test (usually a blood test) that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.

Clinical genetic testing refers to the laboratory analysis of DNA or RNA to aid in the diagnosis of disease. It is very important to understand that clinical genetic testing is quite different than other types of laboratory tests. Genetic testing is unique in that it can provide definitive diagnosis as well as help predict the likelihood of developing a particular disease before symptoms even appear; it can tell if a person is carrying a specific gene that could be passed on to his or her children; it can inform as to whether some treatments will work before a patient starts therapy.

There are two main types of genetic testing. If you have a cancer diagnosis, you may be most familiar with somatic or tumor testing. This genetic testing is done with a sample of tumor. The DNA in the tumor is studied to determine if different treatments may be better or worse for you. The second type of genetic testing is called germline genetic testing and is done using a blood or saliva sample. The DNA in your blood cells is studied to see if there is a mutation that causes an increased risk to develop cancer. This genetic testing can be done on someone who has cancer or who does not have cancer.

There are many different options for genetic testing available from Premier Lab Solutions. Advances in genetic testing are available that replace older methods of predicting prognosis, helping to treat only those patients who will respond to therapy and by helping to guide further research into these therapies.