Health and genetic testing is important for individuals who may want to better understand how their DNA may impact their health. This can be important in determining fitness programs, nutrition, medications, aging and risk for developing a particular condition or disorder from family genetics. Learn more about this service with Test Smartly Labs.
What Is Health and Genetic Testing?
Health and genetic testing can also be called DNA testing. Several tests – like buccal swabs, blood, hair, skin or amniotic fluid – can indicate the risk or current state of developing a condition or disorder in your family. Many couples opt to receive genetic testing before having children to evaluate whether a mutated gene can be passed on to new generations.
Specifically, health and genetic testing looks at the following:
- Chromosomes: We check for changes in whole chromosomes or long strands of DNA, including an extra copy of a chromosome.
- Genes: We study DNA sequences for variations or mutations that can cause or increase the risk of a disorder.
- Proteins: We analyze the amount or activity level of enzymes or proteins for abnormalities.
Types of Tests
Several specific panels fall under the health and genetic testing umbrella. Results of some of the most popular tests fall into these categories:
- Genetic nutrition testing: Gain a better understanding of your body’s ability to absorb micronutrients given your genetic disposition. Even if you eat a perfectly balanced diet, the way your body takes up nutrients can be compromised.
- Health predisposition testing: This is the most common form of genetic testing. The results provide information on the chances for you or your child to develop genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, Huntington’s disease, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and certain cancers.
- DNA-based weight management: Learn about your genetic ability to lose weight and determine a diet and exercise plan based on the results of this testing.
- DNA testing for athletes: Some athletes opt for genetic testing to determine their injury risk and assess their ability for muscle building and endurance.
The Importance of Health and Genetic Testing
If there is any chance of a developing condition, you should consider getting genetic testing for it. This testing is completely voluntary but can help provide a sense of relief for an individual or parent. Additionally, it can help you decide on your future health plan.
Overall, health and genetic testing can:
- Test if you have a disease based on symptoms or genetic predisposition.
- Identify the risk for cancer, even without symptoms.
- Determine if you are a carrier for a genetic disorder like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis before you have children.
- Analyze results for a medication or dosage care plan for effective care of a current condition.
- Detect abnormalities in your baby’s genes before they are born.
- Screen your newborn for current conditions so doctors can start immediate treatment, if applicable.
What to Expect
Before testing, gather information about your family’s medical history. These details can give doctors a better idea of what tests to perform and what to look for in the results.
Health and genetic testing is available at Test Smartly Labs for your convenience. Depending on the test you choose, we may collect a sample through the following means:
- Blood sample: As with a regular blood test, a needle will be inserted into a vein in the arm to draw out a sample. For newborns, the blood sample is taken from the heel.
- Cheek swab: A simple cheek swab may be all that is needed for some types of testing. Doctors can test DNA from cells in your mouth’s mucosa.
- Other DNA collections: Some genetic tests may require a hair or skin sample for detailed DNA sequences.
- Amniocentesis: If you need a prenatal genetic test, a thin, hollow needle will be inserted through your abdominal wall into the uterus to collect a small sample of amniotic fluid.
- Chorionic villus sampling: This prenatal genetic test requires a tissue sample of the placenta, taken through a catheter into the cervix or a needle into the abdominal wall.
Your Results
Because Test Smartly Labs has a lab on-site, you should receive your health and genetic testing results within three to four days. Here is a brief overview of what your results could mean:
- Positive: The genetic change being tested was detected in your sample.
- Negative: The genetic change was not detected in your sample.
- Inconclusive: The test could not distinguish between a disease-causing and harmless gene.
Schedule Your Health and Genetic Testing at Test Smartly Labs
If you or a loved one need health and genetic testing, contact us online or walk into a Test Smartly Labs location today.
When would you need a relationship DNA test?
Relationship DNA tests most often deal with families (and all of the complications that can come with them)! Here are some of the most common reasons people need our help with DNA testing in their families:
- Prove or disprove someone is the father (paternity testing) or mother (maternity testing)
- Prove or disprove someone is the father/mother or prove a biological relationship with a child by testing grandparents (grandparentage testing)
- Determine if two individuals are full or half siblings (siblingship testing)
- Check if twins are fraternal or identical (twin zygosity test)
- Whether you need DNA testing for issues of custody, child support, inheritance, name changes or for general information and/or peace of mind, we can help.
- Immigration DNA testing. This can play a significant role when someone’s trying to get a visa application to go through and enter the U.S. – especially if you need to prove biological relationships.
At Test Smartly Labs, we work with AABB-accredited labs for immigration DNA testing to make sure the DNA test results can be used as part of the Department of State’s visa review process. Learn more about immigration DNA testing.
How many DNA tests will be needed to prove family relationships?
All DNA tests will require samples from at least two people in order to be performed, but oftentimes adding more people in the biological family tree can help with the accuracy of results.
Because genes have variants (called alleles), they can be expressed differently from person to person. (That’s why we don’t all look the same!) However, because of these variants, when you’re testing for family relationships, the more people willing to offer samples, the more complete picture of a biological family you’ll get. DNA testing looks for “matches” within the samples offered – so the more people willing to offer a sample, the more accurate the matching process will be.
What We Need
Be prepared for your DNA or Paternity Test!
- Bring Government Issued ID.
- Bring Birth Certificate for Child. If none, bring a social security card, insurance card, or something else to help support identification.
- Complete TSL Intake Form & HIPAA Disclosure.
- Provide Authorizations to Receive Results.
- Most DNA will require a Buccal Swab specimen from the mouth.
- Prenatal DNA will require a Blood Draw so you will want to by hydrated.
- Be prepared to have a photo taken of all parties being tested.
- Do not eat anything (particularly meat, vegetables and breast milk for infants) for an hour before arriving.
- You do not have to arrive together or go to the same Test Smartly. Labs Testing Center but do coordinate plans with all parties being tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Your Hours?
All Test Smartly Labs are open Monday through Friday, from 9am – 5pm
Do We Need To Have An Appointment?
No appointment is required to come into our labs, and all of our locations are on a walk-in basis. However, it is recommended you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to closing. If your situation requires special time considerations, please call us to determine if it would be better to arrange an appointment time.
Do I Need Doctors’ Orders For Testing?
No doctors’ orders needed, we are a Direct-Access Testing Center. You are encouraged to consult your medical professional with your lab test results.
What’s The Turnaround Time For Lab Work?
Average turnaround time is 2-5 business days depending on the complexity of the lab work. Most tests are available in 2-3 days.
Do You Need A List Of My Medications For A Drug Test?
Per protocol, the lab techs are not allowed to receive or ask for your medications. A medical review officer or MRO, a licensed physician who specializes in toxicology, will call you and ask for your medications and your physician’s phone number if it’s detected in your sample during testing. The MRO will then call your physician to verify your medications.
Related Information
Benefits Of Legal DNA Testing
While the maternal lineage of a child is implicit in most cases, it might not be the case when it comes to paternity which is the lineage of the father.
The Importance of Establishing Legal Paternity
Paternity DNA Tests are commonly used to determine whether an individual is the biological parent of a child. This is done by comparing the DNA of the child with the DNA profile of the alleged father.
Understanding the Downside Risks of “At-Home” Non-Legal Paternity Tests
For accurate paternity results you can count on within as little as three business days, turn to Test Smartly Labs for our American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) certified NIPP DNA test. You don’t have to wait until the baby is born, you can get a DNA test while pregnant that is safe for the mother and the pregnancy with results that are court-admissible.
Whatever Lab Test, Drug Test Or DNA Test You Need, We’re Here To Help!
Test Smartly Labs is your one-source for a Direct-Access Lab Testing in Greater Kansas City. We partner with only the leading laboratories in the USA to provide accessible, affordable, and accurate lab tests, drug & alcohol tests, and advanced DNA testing. We specialize in local access for ALL TYPES of testing, and we make it super easy for you! Helping you take control of your health through lab testing is our only business!
