Do you have a family history of an inherited disease? Have you been told that you might have a gene mutation that makes you more likely to develop a particular disease? If so, you may be interested in knowing if you have a higher-than-average risk of developing a health condition.
Many factors can influence whether you develop a disease. Hence, knowing whether you risk developing them can be challenging. But, if you have a family history of an illness or have been told that you have a disease-susceptibility gene, you may want to take a test to find out for certain.
What is a Disease Susceptibility Gene Test?
A Disease Susceptibility Gene Test (DSGT) is a DNA test in Singapore that looks for mutations in your genes that may make you more likely to develop a particular disease. The test is beneficial if you have a family history of a specific condition, but it can also be used as a screen for some common ailments.
The test typically consists of a blood draw to collect a small amount of your blood. It is then sent to a lab where a technician will look for any mutations in your genes that might make you more likely to develop a disease.
Should you take a Disease Susceptibility Gene Test?
If you have been told that you have a disease-susceptibility gene or a family history of a particular disease, you may want to take a DNA test to find out for certain. This decision is different for everyone, so you’ll have to decide for yourself if you want to take the test.
Many factors will go into your decision. Some people will automatically say yes, while others will want to do extensive research to ensure that it is worth it.
If you decide to take the test, you’ll have to decide for yourself if you want to know if you have a higher-than-average risk of developing a certain health condition.
How is the Disease Susceptibility Gene Test performed?
Whether you are collecting a sample from yourself or another person, the quick and pain-free DNA collection procedures are performed in a few minutes.
All samples can be collected from the comfort of your home. Order your home testing kit online, and it will be delivered within 5-7 days. Follow the instructions on the pre-printed tube that came inside the kit, which should then go into an envelope provided with a consent form attached. We will provide the conclusive DNA test results within a month of receiving your samples.
What do the results of a Disease Susceptibility Gene Test mean?
If you have a disease-susceptibility gene, the test results will tell you what percentage of your risk for the health condition you have.
Let’s say that you have tested positive for a mutation that puts you at a 2% risk of developing a specific disease. This means a 2% chance that acquiring the mutation in your genes will make you more likely to develop it.
If you have tested negative, there is no chance that the mutation in your genes will make you more likely to develop the condition.
Does insurance cover a Disease Susceptibility Gene Test?
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a DSGT, but it is important to check with your insurance company before scheduling the test. Due to maximum benefit limitations, some insurance companies may not cover the test cost.
It is best to plan ahead and make sure that you have health insurance. You should also tell your insurance company that you plan to get tested.
How often should you take a Disease Susceptibility Gene Test?
Most people should take a DSGT only once, as it is an invasive test with a small risk of causing harm. After you have been tested and your results are in, you should not have another gene test performed on you, as it violates your genetic information privacy.
What to expect when you take the test
When you have taken a test for a disease-susceptibility gene, you will typically sign a consent form that tells you about the test and gives you permission to be tested.
You will usually be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the sample is collected. The sample will be sent to the lab quickly to avoid a long wait.
Final thoughts
A Disease Susceptibility Genetic Test (DSGT) is an in-depth analysis of your genes that looks for mutations that may put you at a higher risk of developing certain diseases. The test is only helpful if you have been told that you have a higher risk of developing a certain condition or if you have a family history of a disease.
The gene test results will tell you what percentage of risk you have for the disease, but it is essential to remember that the gene test is an indirect way of determining the likelihood of getting the condition. Remember to speak with a medical professional before making any significant lifestyle changes.
By understanding more about your health due to genetic testing, you can take the first step to improving your health. Contact Map My Gene to learn more about the Disease Susceptibility Genetic Test.
For those looking for other forms of DNA tests, Map My Gene also provides an Inborn Talent Gene Test – a personality DNA test in Singapore that can help you as a parent to identify your child’s hidden talents and personality at a young age.
The Inborn Talent Gene Test, or ITGT, provides your child with a career profiling assessment based on their unique abilities detected from their genetic makeup. This profile provides you with advice on how you can nurture and develop your child’s personality and talents. Additionally, the analysis gives insight into specific areas of concern that may help your child effectively nurture their talent for success later in life.
