Various Advantages Of Enlisting Laboratory Services For Genetic Testing
Posted on: 20 August 2021
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When you think of laboratory services, you probably automatically assume that they are only necessary when you are ill. And this is not surprising when you take into consideration that some people are only familiar with clinical laboratory services when they are either in outpatient or admitted to hospital. However, lab services have evolved over the decades and now anyone can order specific lab tests on their own. And one type of test that is garnering popularity is genetic testing. Genetic testing entails the extraction of a sample, typically blood or tissue, so that the laboratory technician can analyze the individual's DNA profile. Below are a few of the various advantages of enlisting laboratory services for genetic testing.
Genetic testing will provide you with insight into your parentage
One of the most common reasons why people will seek laboratory services for genetic services is to learn about their biological parents. Hence, this is usually sought after by individuals that were either adopted or have never met one or both of their parents. Genetic testing can help you learn several things about your parentage and genealogy. First off, the test results will provide you with information about both your maternal and paternal ascendants for several generations. In addition to this, you will also get to learn about your ethnicity and racial identity, and this can encompass multiple cultures.
Genetic testing will give you insight into your risk factors for specific diseases
The main reason why doctors will request a medical history of your family is so that they can get an idea of potential health risks you could be facing because many illnesses are hereditary. If you would like to minimize your risk of developing these illnesses, it is advisable to seek laboratory services for genetic testing, as the results will indicate your predisposition to these genetic diseases. However, simply because you are genetically predisposed does not mean you are guaranteed to develop the illnesses. Rather, you can work towards minimizing this risk by making healthy changes to your lifestyle.
Genetic testing will help you decide if children are in your future
Starting a family is a major step. And if you are to have a child with significant developmental challenges, the responsibility, and financial investment are considerably much higher than if you had a healthy kid. So if you would like to mitigate the risk of chromosomal anomalies that would lead to significant congenital disorders, you and your partner should opt for genetic testing. The test results will indicate the presence of abnormal chromosomes that are responsible for Down syndrome, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, etc. Moreover, the results will indicate the risk factor of getting a child affected by a congenital disorder.