Genetic testing for the following carrier status: carrier screening for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, Factor V (Leiden) deficiency, and cystic fibrosis; or

Genetic counseling is a communication process which deals with the human problems associated with the occurrence, or the risk of occurrence, of a genetic disorder or birth defect in a family. As part of this process, the patient obtains information regarding diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and inheritance of the genetic condition or birth defect of concern to the family. In some cases genetic testing is available for specific genetic diseases.

Genetic tests, also called DNA-based tests, are some of the newest and most sophisticated techniques that we can use to test for genetic diseases. Most tests involve looking directly at the DNA in a specific disease-associated gene. The actual information of each gene is carried within the DNA itself. The DNA can be taken from cells in a sample of blood or, occasionally, from other body fluids or tissues.

No. Counseling is an integral part of the testing process and is essential for accurate result interpretation and management.

This information will help to estimate a person's true risks of developing cancer, and to develop a personalized plan for surveillance and management based on those risks. It can also be very useful to the entire family. We discuss these issues, in depth, in the counseling sessions.

Yes. Genetic counseling by an experienced healthcare professional is an integral part of the genetic testing process. During the genetic counseling process the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing are discussed. Medical management options and accurate interpretation of genetic test results are also important parts of a genetic counseling session.

The information gathered from genetic testing may help you make more informed choices about your own cancer prevention and management. Personal decisions about options such as surgery and chemoprevention may be aided by knowledge of your mutation status. The results may also help you to determine if there is increased cancer susceptibility in your family.

The price of testing varies from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The costs of genetic testing may not be covered by your health insurance. It is important to talk with your genetic testing coordinator to determine what the best financial arrangements are for you.

Genetic testing may determine whether your child's hearing loss is due to non-genetic causes or to a gene that causes hearing loss. From this information, professionals can calculate the likelihood that other children in your family may also have a hearing loss due to the same cause. A full genetic evaluation will also determine if there are other health conditions that also need to be addressed.

Regardless of age, there is a three percent chance of delivering a baby with birth defects, and for women in their late thirties and older, an additional two percent of having a baby with Down syndrome. However, other reasons for seeking genetic counseling include: In almost every large medical center in the United States, genetic counseling and medical genetics have become an essential part of obstetrics programs.

Insurance companies almost always cover the costs of genetic testing. The rates for heredity evaluation, consisting of consultations with the clinical geneticist and/or genetic consultant and possible additional DNA, chromosome and/or metabolic analysis, are set by the Health Service Rates Board (College Tarieven Gezondheidszorg). Compensation depends upon the terms of the policy; in general your expenses will almost always be reimbursed.

The process of undergoing genetic testing is very dynamic, however after obtaining informed consent from the patient, the actual testing procedure itself is quite simple. The patient has a small amount of blood drawn, which is then sent to a laboratory for complex DNA analysis. Once the blood is in the laboratory, scientists look for alterations in genes that may be associated with an increased risk of particular cancers.

Gene testing is available for individuals who have a cancer genetic family syndrome based on family history. We recommend that you see a genetic counselor or health professional with expertise in cancer genetics before genetic testing for cancer. The genetic counselor will explain the test and help interpret the results. For more information, see Genetic Testing. Yes, at conception, we inherit half of our genes from each of our parents.