Give birth to a healthy child
The most common reason to have testing done is when planning a pregnancy. If the future parents are aware of existing genetic anomalies or are at risk (for example, due to age), genetic screening allows the person to assess the likelihood of a negative scenario.
For example, an expecting couple could get results from genetic tests stating that the probability of having a child with abnormalities is about 25 %. The parents would decide whether they are willing to take the risk. The presence of abnormal genes in the parents does not mean that the child will necessarily inherit their fatal combination. A study conducted at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy gives a much clearer answer to questions about fetal development.
According to scientists at the British Columbia Perinatal Service, the accuracy rate for negative screening (confirming the absence of genetic disease) is as high as 99.9 %. However, if the test for a genetic disease is positive, there is a chance that the baby will be healthy and will not have the diagnosed disease. Screening during pregnancy assesses the degree of risk, which is rarely 100 %.
Prevent disease
The genetic test lets you determine the probability of developing pathologies. However, most often, the study is carried out for predisposition to cancer and cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases.
Predisposition does not mean that a person will certainly get sick. However, this information can help someone take necessary preventive measures.
Avoid addictions
An imbalance of neurotransmitters causes the nervous system to quickly become accustomed to any external stimulation, such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and gambling. Problems with the level of neurotransmitters can be passed on to the child from the parents so that the test will indicate any risks in advance. Genetic testing can determine not only a tendency toward alcoholism or smoking but even aggression and suicide.
Find out ancestry
Genetics can help you find out who your ancestors were and where they came from.
Choose optimal exercise options
A genetic test can analyze the genes responsible for strength, speed, and endurance. As a result, the person can determine whether he or she is a sprinter, marathoner, team player, or loner and which sports to emphasize and avoid. For example, a gene makes carriers more prone to brain injuries, so they should avoid sports such as boxing.
The test can even determine what kind of physical activity you should do to maximize the effectiveness of weight loss.
Find out what to eat
By analyzing carbohydrate-fat metabolism genes and eating behavior genes, obesity can be prevented. The test can provide comprehensive information about what foods should be avoided, what vitamins and supplements should be taken, and individualized recommendations for preventing metabolic disorders. This type of test is especially important for people with prediabetes or diabetes mellitus and anyone who has a family history of these diseases.
Get individualized treatment
Most people are suited to standard drug treatment regimens. However, even standard regimens can be ineffective or dangerous for some people. DNA testing can predict the body's response to medications. Thanks to pharmacogenetics, it has become possible to accurately prescribe a treatment regimen by adjusting the dose of a drug or replacing it with a more suitable analog.
