Genetic Testing | Community Health

Genetic testing, also known as DNA testing, is a powerful tool used to identify changes in DNA sequence or chromosome structure, diagnose genetic disorders, predict risks for specific conditions, and customize medical treatments based on an individual's genetic makeup. With the help of genetic testing, individuals can gain valuable insights into their genetic health, including the risk of inherited diseases, genetic disorders, and even their ancestry. According to the [[national-institutes-of-health|National Institutes of Health]] (NIH), genetic testing can be used to diagnose or rule out suspected genetic disorders, predict risks for specific conditions, or gain information that can be used to customize medical treatments. The [[american-college-of-medical-genetics|American College of Medical Genetics]] (ACMG) recommends that genetic testing be used to diagnose genetic disorders, such as [[cystic-fibrosis|cystic fibrosis]] and [[sickle-cell-anemia|sickle cell anemia]]. As of 2022, over 75,000 genetic tests are available, with more being developed every year, thanks to advancements in [[next-generation-sequencing|next-generation sequencing]] technology and the work of companies like [[illumina|Illumina]] and [[thermo-fisher-scientific|Thermo Fisher Scientific]].