Genetic Testing

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing is a method of using your saliva to identify specific genes you might carry that could make you more likely to develop certain diseases. Genetic testing can also predict some of the behaviors you’re more likely to exhibit or help determine which medications are likely to be most effective for you.

Genes consist of strands of DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. You inherit your DNA from your parents, and everyone has somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 genes, most of which are the same in everyone. Fewer than 1% of your genes have slight differences, which help make you unique.

The Coral Gables Executive Physicians team offers a comprehensive genetic testing service that scans your entire genome.

What does genetic testing tell me?

The test identifies your genetic predisposition to common health conditions, enhances information from your family history, and improves medical insights into difficult-to-diagnose diseases.

Genetic testing can confirm whether you have a specific genetic disorder, such as Huntington’s disease or cystic fibrosis. These diseases have links to mutated genes that the test can identify.

Genetic testing can also tell you if you’re carrying a gene for a disorder that’s affected other members of your family. For example, if you have a family history of sickle cell anemia, genetic testing can tell you whether you have the gene or not.

The Coral Gables Executive Physicians team also offers the telomere test. Telomeres are sections of DNA that serve as a cap to your genetic material. Shorter telomeres indicate a shorter lifespan for a cell. Therefore, this test can give you your “biological” age.

Why should I consider genetic testing?

Genetic testing gives you the information you need to prepare yourself for the future. It can tell you if you’re likely to develop certain conditions, or whether you could pass hereditary illnesses to your children, so you can make informed choices.

Genetic testing is often more of an indicator of risk rather than being a confirmation that you’ll definitely develop a particular condition. So, for example, identifying genes linked to colorectal cancer doesn’t mean you will get cancer – it just means your risk is higher and gives you the chance to minimize controllable risk factors like diet and tobacco use.

Common problems like having difficulty losing weight could be due to genetic influences. If you know what’s causing the problem, you can adapt your weight management plan to take these factors into account. Genetic testing can also give your provider useful information about the kinds of medications and doses that would be most effective for you.

To find out more about genetic testing services, call Coral Gables Executive Physicians today.