Need for genetic testing raised by new initiative GeneTestNow

Significant advances in science enable us to no longer question what’s in our genes. This is especially important for Jews, who are far more likely to be carriers of certain genetic diseases than the general population. 

Education and awareness about genetic screening have been spreading throughout the nation and the December 2012 launch of the Web site “>victorcenters.org.

How much does it cost? Insurance companies often dictate the price tag for genetic screening. Some won’t offer a covered benefit until a woman is pregnant, since there is no liability until this point and testing earlier is considered a waste of resources. Costs can range from as little as $99 to thousands. 

Is a salvia test a good genetic screening? To eliminate all risks of being a carrier of Tay-Sachs disease, you should request to screen for DNA and enzymes, which can be done only with a blood test. Otherwise the test will screen only for DNA mutations, which misses a small percentage of carriers. 

Should I get rescreened before having another child? Hold on to your test results. It isn’t a matter of rescreening, but of updating your screening as technology advances and more information becomes available. In 2005, the Jewish panel of diseases covered only nine genetic diseases. 

Are online genetic screening tests sufficient? Direct-to-consumer testing might not provide counseling services, which are strongly recommended. To ensure the quality of testing, laboratories should be properly certified. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulates lab testing through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Check to make sure the screener is CLIA approved. 

Consider purchasing life insurance first. Test results from genetic screening could make it difficult to buy life insurance, disability insurance or long-term-care insurance. Although, Congress passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 to protect Americans against discrimination based on their genetic makeup from health insurers or employers, not all types of insurance are included.