Article
Genomic Testing: What You Can Learn
March 24, 2020
Unlike genetic testing, which is designed to detect changes in chromosomes, genes or proteins to help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing along a genetic disorder, genomics looks at a person’s full genetic makeup and how genes interact. This infographic shows the benefits of genomics at each stage of a person’s life.
Genomically speaking, we’re more than 99% alike, but separated by millions of genomic variations. Genomic testing can be used at every stage of a person’s life to provide insights into current or potential health issues.
Newborns
- Provide details that can lead to personalized medicines and treatments.
- Understand the infant’s biological systems, including cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
- Determine how biological systems could influence each other.
- Predict health problems that may occur.
- Identify treatable genetic disorders.
Preteens and teenagers
- Identify rare diseases that traditional tests might miss.
- Determine genetic health risks, such as genetic mutations.
- Provide early warnings for children at risk of diseases like Type 1 diabetes.
- Optimize medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other disorders.
- Gain insights into overall personal health.
Adults
- Identify fertility issues.
- Assess risk of developing diseases as the person ages.
- Determine how a tumor will likely behave in cancer treatments.
- Predict how fast a tumor will grow and how likely it is to metastasize.
- Help inform diets for people feeling unusually tired or lacking nutrients.
Seniors
- Manage health and wellbeing.
- Deliver insights into disease states.
- Provide detailed information to doctors making decisions about a person’s disease.
- Understand health risks and share information with physicians.
- Allow care providers to customize treatment plans.