How long genetic testing results

Carrier screening can be done before or during pregnancy. They include first- trimester screening, second-trimester screening, combined first- and second-trimester screening, and cell-free DNA testing. Both tests usually are done together between 10 weeks and 13 weeks of pregnancy:. An abnormal measurement means there is an increased risk that the fetus has Down syndrome trisomy 21 or another type of aneuploidy.

It also is linked to physical defects of the heart, abdominal wall, and skeleton. It is done between 15 weeks and 22 weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound exam done between 18 weeks and 22 weeks of pregnancy checks for major physical defects in the brain and spine, facial features, abdomen, heart, and limbs. The results from first-and second-trimester tests can be combined in various ways.

Combined test results are more accurate than a single test result. If you choose combined screening, keep in mind that final results often are not available until the second trimester. This test can be done starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy. It takes about 1 week to get the results. Results of blood screening tests for aneuploidy are reported as the level of risk that the disorder might be present:. A positive screening test result for aneuploidy means that your fetus is at higher risk of having the disorder compared with the general population.

It does not mean that your fetus definitely has the disorder. A negative result means that your fetus is at lower risk of having the disorder compared with the general population. It does not rule out the possibility that your fetus has the disorder.

Diagnostic testing with CVS or amniocentesis that gives a more definite result is an option for all pregnant women. Your obstetrician or other health care professional, such as a genetic counselor , will discuss what your screening test results mean and help you decide the next steps. With any type of testing, there is a possibility of false-positive results and false-negative results. A screening test result that shows there is a problem when one does not exist is called a false-positive result.

A screening test result that shows there is not a problem when one does exist is called a false-negative result. Your health care professional can give you information about the rates of false-positive and false-negative results for each test.

It is your choice whether to have prenatal testing. Your personal beliefs and values are important factors in the decision about prenatal testing. It can be helpful to think about how you would use the results of prenatal screening tests in your pregnancy care.

Remember that a positive screening test tells you only that you are at higher risk of having a baby with Down syndrome or another aneuploidy. A diagnostic test should be done if you want to know a more certain result. Does a positive test result mean that I will definitely develop cancer?

A positive test result simply tells you that you have an increased risk of cancer. How do I know if my health insurance will cover hereditary cancer testing? What kinds of payment plans does Myriad offer? Join Us in Celebrating Genetic Counselors. Read the blog. Terms of Use Myriad Genetics, Inc. Privacy Policy Language Assistance.

Cookie Preferences. Give Feedback. Did you find what you were looking for? Generally genetic tests have little physical risk. Blood and cheek swab tests have almost no risk. However, prenatal testing such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling has a small risk of pregnancy loss miscarriage. Genetic testing can have emotional, social and financial risks as well.

Discuss all risks and benefits of genetic testing with your doctor, a medical geneticist or a genetic counselor before you have a genetic test. Before you have genetic testing, gather as much information as you can about your family's medical history. Then, talk with your doctor or a genetic counselor about your personal and family medical history to better understand your risk.

Ask questions and discuss any concerns about genetic testing at that meeting. Also, talk about your options, depending on the test results. If you're being tested for a genetic disorder that runs in families, you may want to consider discussing your decision to have genetic testing with your family. Having these conversations before testing can give you a sense of how your family might respond to your test results and how it may affect them. Not all health insurance policies pay for genetic testing.

So, before you have a genetic test, check with your insurance provider to see what will be covered. In the United States, the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of GINA helps prevent health insurers or employers from discriminating against you based on test results. Under GINA, employment discrimination based on genetic risk also is illegal.

However, this act does not cover life, long-term care or disability insurance. Most states offer additional protection. Depending on the type of test, a sample of your blood, skin, amniotic fluid or other tissue will be collected and sent to a lab for analysis.

The amount of time it takes for you to receive your genetic test results depends on the type of test and your health care facility. Talk to your doctor, medical geneticist or genetic counselor before the test about when you can expect the results and have a discussion about them.

If the genetic test result is positive, that means the genetic change that was being tested for was detected. You may want to consider how the results of a genetic test may affect you and others in your family. If the genetic test shows there are changes to your genes that causes a health condition, this may mean that other members of your family also have it.

In this situation, your doctor may recommend that other members of your family also have a genetic test. For example, it may show that you were adopted or that your biological father is not who you thought they were. Find out more information from Genetic Alliance UK about the risks and benefits of genetic testing.

The sample of blood, saliva or body tissue is sent to a genetic testing laboratory to be analysed. Depending on the reason for your test, it could be weeks or months. You may need further tests.