Genetic Disease

  Genetic Testing: Understanding Your Genetic  Makeup What is genetic testing, and what does it involve? 1.      Sample Collection: The process starts with providing a sample of your DNA. This is usually done through:   Blood test: The most common method. Cheek swab: A painless method where cells are collected from the inside of your cheek.   Saliva sample: Spit into a tube.   Skin biopsy: A small sample of skin is taken.   Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (during pregnancy): These are more invasive procedures that collect fluid from around the fetus or tissue from the placenta.   2.      DNA Analysis: In a laboratory, technicians extract DNA from the sample and analyze it for specific changes. There are different techniques used depending on what the test is looking for:   Single gene testing: Looks for changes in just one ...