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National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Genetic Testing is the National Human Genome Research Institute

Genetic Testing

Genetic tests are tests on blood and other tissue to find genetic disorders. About 900 such tests are available. Doctors use genetic tests for several reasons. These include

Finding possible genetic diseases in unborn babies
Finding out if people carry a gene for a disease and might pass it on to their children
Screening embryos for disease
Testing for genetic diseases in adults before they cause symptoms
Confirming a diagnosis in a person who has disease symptoms

People have many different reasons for being tested or not being tested. For many, it is important to know whether a disease can be prevented or treated if a gene alteration is found. In some cases, there is no treatment. But test results might help a person make life decisions, such as career choice, family planning or insurance coverage. A genetic counselor can provide information about the pros and cons of testing.

National Human Genome Research Institute

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Genetic Testing: What You Should Know(American Academy of Family Physicians)
Also available in Spanish
Genetics Home Reference: What is genetic testing?(National Library of Medicine)

Basics	Learn More	Multimedia & Cool Tools
Overviews Latest News Prevention/Screening	Related Issues	No links available
Research	Reference Shelf	For You
Financial Issues Clinical Trials Research Journal Articles	Dictionaries/Glossaries Directories Organizations Newsletters/Print Publications Law and Policy	Children

Overviews
- Frequently Asked Questions about Genetic Testing(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- Genetic Testing(Nemours Foundation)
- Genetic Testing(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Universe of Genetic Testing(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Latest News
- Gene Predicts Response to Hepatitis C Drugs(08/16/2009, Reuters Health)
- Many Opt For Surgery to Lower Breast, Ovarian Cancer Risk(08/07/2009, HealthDay)
- Online Genetic Testing Appears to Have Benefits(06/30/2009, HealthDay)
- Value of Genetic Testing for Preventing Blood Clots Unproven(06/16/2009, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)
- More News on Genetic Testing
Prevention/Screening
- At-Home Genetic Tests: A Healthy Dose of Skepticism May Be the Best Prescription(Federal Trade Commission) - PDF
- Tests Purchased from Four Web Sites Mislead Consumers(Government Accountability Office)
Related Issues
- ACMG Statement on Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing(American College of Medical Genetics)
- Ancilliary Services(University of Washington)
- Genetics Home Reference(National Library of Medicine)
- Human Genetic Variation(National Institute of General Medical Sciences)
- Looking at My Genes: What Can They Tell Me?(National Institute of Mental Health)
- Ordering Genetic Testing(University of Washington)
- Parentage Testing(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Pharmacogenomics: When Drug Treatment Becomes Personalized Medicine(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Pre-Conception: Genetic Testing for Inherited Diseases(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Understanding Cancer Series: Gene Testing(National Cancer Institute)
  Also available in Spanish
- Uses of Genetic Testing(University of Washington)
- What Is Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing?(National Library of Medicine)
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Financial Issues
- Coverage and Reimbursement of Genetic Tests(National Human Genome Research Institute)
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Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Genetic Screening(National Institutes of Health)
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Research
- Genetic Mapping(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- Genetic Testing: How It Is Used for Healthcare(National Institutes of Health) - PDF
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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Dictionaries/Glossaries
- Glossary(University of Washington)
- Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms(National Human Genome Research Institute)
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Directories
- Cancer Genetics Services Directory(National Cancer Institute)
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center(Office of Rare Diseases)
- Laboratory Directory(University of Washington)
- US Clinic Directory Search(University of Washington)
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Organizations
- GeneTests(University of Washington)
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Office of Public Health Genomics(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Newsletters/Print Publications
- Genomics & Health Weekly Update(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Law and Policy
- Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Empowering or Endangering the Public?(Genetics and Public Policy Center)
- Genetic Discrimination Nondiscrimination Act of 2008(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- Issues in Genetics and Health(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- Policy and Legislation Database(National Human Genome Research Institute)
- Reproductive Genetic Testing: What America Thinks(Genetics and Public Policy Center)
- Who Regulates Genetic Tests?(Genetics and Public Policy Center)
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Children
- Screening Tests for Newborns: Inherited (Genetic) Disorders(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- What Is a Pediatric Geneticist?(American Academy of Pediatrics) - PDF
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