Genetic testing looks for changes, or variants, in your DNA.

At Family Medicine, PC,  our providers can order genetic testing for presymptomatic and predictive testing. For example, if you have a family history of a genetic condition, getting genetic testing before you have symptoms may show if you're at risk of developing that condition.

Our providers also can order testing for pharmacogenetics. If you have a particular health condition or disease, this type of genetic testing may help determine what medication and dosage will be most effective and beneficial for you.

Although genetic testing can provide information for diagnosing, treating and preventing illness, there are limitations. For example, if you're a healthy person, a positive result from genetic testing doesn't always mean you will develop a disease. On the other hand, in some situations, a negative result doesn't guarantee that you won't have a certain disorder.

Talking with your medical provider at Family Medicine, PC, a medical geneticist or a genetic counselor about what you will do with the results is an important step in the process of genetic testing.