The genetic health predisposition test is an innovative DNA test that is able to tell you your level of risk for developing a variety of diseases that have a genetic basis. These include your level of risk for developing a variety of heart conditions, cancer such as breast cancer, skin cancer as well other common conditions such as diabetes, obesity and auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
This test is based on research that has established that many common diseases in humans do not have a single cause, but are the result of a combination of the effect of multiple genes together with environmental and lifestyle factors. The genetic health predisposition test analyses a person’s genetic profile in order to establish the presence of genetic markers that have been associated with the development of particular diseases. Due to the fact that both environmental and lifestyle factors add tremendously to the uncertainty of developing a disease, it is it is not currently possible to measure and evaluate the exact effect on a disease process. Therefore, we refer mainly to a person’s genetic predisposition, or the potential of an individual to develop a disease based on genes and hereditary factors.
The Science behind the Health DNA Test
A genetic disease predisposition test is carried out through the analysis of the DNA profile from a sample of saliva, particularly this test analyses for the presence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been associated with the development of a particular disease. The method of DNA analysis is very different to that used for a paternity test. An SNP is a particular area of the DNA whose presence in a person’s DNA profile is associated with an increased risk for development of particular medical conditions. Because many diseases are known to be polygenic in nature, that is, are known to be associated with the presence of more than one SNP, the test will also look at the number of SNP’s contained in a person’s genetic profile. The greater the number of SNP’s found to be present, the more that particular person is considered to be at risk for developing that particular disease.
Each person taking the health predisposition test will receive a detailed report outlining his or her level of risk for each of the conditions included in the test. The level of genetic risk is classified as being high, medium or low. This is done with the aim of helping the person taking the test understand better what the percentage risks given in the results mean. These categories are assigned using specific formulas that take into consideration both your particular level of risk and the general level of estimated risk for the sample population. Therefore, if for example, your risk of developing a particular type of cancer is considered to be high, this is calculated in terms of both the type and number of high risk SNP’s associated with the onset of this condition found to be present in your genetic profile, but also relative to the general population risk.
The genetic health predisposition test is an invaluable tool for managing one’s health, knowing you are at risk for developing particular diseases will enable you to implement the necessary measures in order to prevent the development of a particular condition. For example people, for people who are found to be at risk for developing heart disease and diabetes, it is particularly important for them to adopt a healthy diet and exercise, these measures can go a long way in preventing the development of these conditions or minimizing their severity.
Knowing you are at risk for developing a particular condition will also enable you to take the medical tests and precautions necessary for early detection. For many diseases, such as cancer, early detection is key in overcoming the disease. Therefore, taking a genetic health predisposition test can be a key factor in managing your health, and ensuring you live as long and as healthy a life as possible.
For more information about this test, contact us through any of the means outlined in the footer below.
