Different Types of Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know

Genetic testing refers to the entire testing of genes in chromosomes. Various types of genetic testing exist, such as paternity identification, genetic characteristics analysis, and diagnosis.

DTC genetic test

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests are kits you can buy without a prescription from a healthcare provider. They’re marketed directly to consumers, usually online, and involve the consumer collecting a DNA sample (like saliva) at home and sending it to a lab for analysis. However, it’s important to note that a genetic marker for a disease does not guarantee that you will develop the disease.

Ancestry Testing

These are among the most popular DTC genetic tests. It analyze your DNA to provide insights into your ethnic background, trace your lineage, and connect you with potential relatives based on shared DNA. Companies like AncestryDNA and 23andMe are well-known providers of these tests.

Health and Wellness Genetic Testing

Health and Wellness Testing examines genetic predispositions to various health conditions and traits. They can provide information on your risk for diseases like breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and cystic fibrosis, as well as your likely response to certain medications. It examines the relationship between specific genotypes and nutrition, lifestyle, and physical characteristics based on statistical results accumulated through genome research. It mainly tests on nutrients, exercise, skin, diet, hair, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

Others include Nutrigenomics Testing, Carrier Testing, Paternity and Kinship Testing.

Medical Genetic Testing

Medical genetic testing is conducted within a healthcare setting under healthcare professionals’ guidance. It requires a prescription or referral from a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or genetic counselor. These tests are used to diagnose genetic conditions, guide treatment decisions, and assess disease risk. The results are interpreted and communicated by healthcare professionals, ensuring that patients receive accurate information and appropriate follow-up care.

Diagnostic Genetic Testing

Diagnostic genetic testing plays a crucial role in modern healthcare, offering a way to diagnose genetic conditions accurately. This form of testing is used when symptoms suggestive of a genetic disorder are present, and it aims to identify or rule out specific genetic abnormalities.

Predictive Genetic Testing

Predictive and presymptomatic genetic testing is a branch that focuses on identifying gene mutations that may cause diseases before symptoms appear. This type of testing is particularly relevant for individuals with a family history of a genetic condition who currently do not show any symptoms.

Others include Carrier Testing, Newborn Screening, and Nutrigenomic Testing.

3billion’s Genetic Testing

3billion provides NGS genetic testing services. The main services are 3B-Genome based on Whole Genome sequencing and 3B-Exome based on Whole Exome sequencing. These are services for the diagnosis of patients with rare diseases.

If you are curious about the WGS/WES difference,
please click on the article below.
WES WGS Panels: Which is the best NGS approach?

A rare disease is a disease in which the prevalence population cannot be determined due to the difficulty of diagnosis or less than 20,000 people. There are about 10,000 known cases worldwide.

If you are curious about 3billion’s genetic test, please get in touch with us.