Genetic Testing
When your family member has a genetic condition
Genetic conditions can happen in many ways. For some genetic conditions, only 1 member of a family may have that condition and there may be very little chance that anyone else in the family will have the same condition. For other genetic conditions, when 1 person in a family is diagnosed with that condition, we learn that more family members have the same condition or are at risk for developing the condition.
If you have a family member with a genetic condition and want to know your chance of developing the same condition, your healthcare team first needs to know certain details about your family member’s genetic condition. They will need to know:
- the exact diagnosis that has been made for your family member
- the exact genetic cause of your family member’s condition
Without this information, it is difficult to accurately know the chance that you will develop the same genetic condition and if there is a genetic test that is available for you.
If your family member has not had genetic testing, your healthcare team may recommend they have genetic testing first to try to learn the cause of their condition.
Why family members with a genetic condition are tested first
To understand why your healthcare team needs to know your family member’s diagnosis and the genetic cause of their condition, think of yourself and your family members as apple trees. All these trees grow red apples.
Now imagine that the apples in one of the trees (not yours) start to turn green. To understand why that happened, you would start by looking at the tree with the green apples. If testing shows why the apples turned green, then your tree can be tested to find out if your apples might turn green, too.
Sometimes, genetic testing cannot tell us why the apples turned green. If genetic testing can’t find the genetic cause of the condition in your family member, then your healthcare team may be unable to offer you any genetic testing. However, for some genetic conditions, medical tests other than a genetic test might be helpful to find out if you have the genetic condition.
Genetic counselling
If you have any questions about genetic testing for a genetic condition in your family, talk with your healthcare team.
Genetic counselling is available for individuals who have a family history of a genetic condition. A genetic counsellor can review your family history, genetic testing options, and screening options. Ask your healthcare provider if a referral for genetic counselling may be right for you.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_genetictest_family_condition_inst.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: November 25, 2024
Author: Clinical and Metabolic Genetics Program, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
