Genetic screening is a crucial element in preventing and treating genetic abnormalities. It provides patients and doctors with information on conditions that they can pass on to their children and allows for treatment before a disease is fully developed. There are several options for genetic screening, but in-office genetic screening is one of the most effective.
Benefits of Testing for Genetic Abnormalities In-Office
When considering how to have genetic testing done, there are a few key factors to weigh. In-office testing offers many benefits, including:
- Easier access to medical professionals who will provide aftercare following a diagnosis or answer questions about how best to manage an ongoing condition.
- Less time spent waiting around at home.
- No risk of misreading the results due to product malfunction or misreading data
What Are the Privacy Concerns of a Take-Home Genetic Screening Kit?
There are many concerns when it comes to the privacy of genetic testing. Many people are nervous about who will have access to their data. The inability to monitor how data is being handled contributes to concern among patients. Putting your data into the digital world, which is always vulnerable to hackers, is a risk that not everyone feels comfortable taking.
How Accurate Are Take-Home Genetic Screening Kit?
The accuracy of take-home tests varies. Since there is no professional oversight, it becomes harder to ensure take-home tests have been properly administered. Additionally, the risk of misreading results is higher with at-home tests because no medical professionals are present to provide insight.
On the flip side, in-office testing is far more accurate than at-home kits. It provides professional oversight to ensure that the test has been done correctly and that results are read accurately. Additionally, doctor’s offices offer immediate access to additional support after receiving test results.
Common Misinterpretations of Take-Home Genetic Screening
There are a few misunderstandings about take-home genetic screening kits. The first is that they are only meant to diagnose one disease. However, this is not the case. If you have had your genes tested through a kit and received a diagnosis, it is important to follow up with your doctor. A trained physician will be able to provide prenatal genetic counseling to give parents more information about the condition and any other diseases that may be related. Another common misinterpretation is to assume that if the test comes back negative, you are in the clear for having the disease. A negative test result can mean that you are not a carrier for the gene, but this does not rule out having the condition itself.
Preventative Measures Your Doctor Can Recommend After a Diagnosis
If you have had your genes tested through genetic screening, there are preventative measures that your doctor may recommend to keep you healthy. If the test comes back positive, they will provide information about where else you should be screened. This is especially important for people who are at risk of developing multiple conditions or diseases, as it allows doctors to provide you with all the preventative measures you need.
Without a shred of doubt, the best way to conduct genetic testing is in-office. With professional oversight and immediate access to medical professionals, you can be sure that you’re in good hands to receive your results.