Genetic Testing

So DH and I have discussed getting genetic testing before TTC. I am only 23 and DH is almost 25. However, I had an Aunt on my dad's side born mentally retarded. Since we aren't close with my dad's family I'm not too sure exactly what was wrong with her.

This may sound immature, but what is actually tested when one chooses to have genetic testing done?

Who decided to have it done and what made you decide to have it?

Finally, is it covered by some insurance policies? I know all policies are different but I was just curious if you had to pay out of pocket.

TIA everyone!!!

Re: Genetic Testing

No one?

Re: Genetic Testing

Sorry, I haven't done it yet and donot know much about it- I am interested in expolring that option

Re: Genetic Testing

I really wish I knew. Maybe try posting this on parenting or pregnancy since I'm sure some of those women have gone through the experience

Re: Genetic Testing

I had genetic testing done before we were married because I am a Jew of Eastern European descent as is DH. I was going to do it whether my doctor suggested it or not(he did - he's religious - lol). People with that type of ancestry are predisposed to certain types of disorders, diseases and syndromes such as Tay Sachs disease, Nieman Pick, Cystic Fibrosis and many others. There are other cultures that have genetic testing done for problems in THEIR culture. Had I been a carrier for the number of things I was tested for, then and only then would DH have been tested. I am not a carrier.

My OB/GYN wrote an Rx specifically for Ashkenazi Jewish genetic tests and sent me to a Quest lab for bloodwork where they took a few vials.

There is a big difference between testing that is done before you conceive and testing done while you are pregnant. For example, I am pretty sure you cannot test for Down Syndrome until you are actually pregnant. My mother had a child with Down's Syndrome the year before I was born who passed away at 10 weeks. She conceived me knowing that she could only find out if I was ok AFTER she got prego. DS is not something parents are carriers for though your chances do increase with age.

All of my testing was covered by insurance.

Re: Genetic Testing

i just went today for the genetic testing as I am also jewish (Ashkenazi), they took around 18 vials of blood and i wont get the results for around 2-3 weeks. I am not pregnant now, but i had to have other blood tests done so my gyn recommended just getting it out of the way since we will be trying in the next couple of months.I called my insurance and they also said it would be covered

Message edited 8/7/2006 11:25:39 PM.

Re: Genetic Testing

HI! I did genetic testing b/c my husband and I are jewish..eastern european decent. They basically take a lot of vials of blood and test it.

I tested positive for Cystic Fibrosis (I am a carrier)...so we went to LIJ Children's hospital and my husband was tested and they did more extensie testing on me.

It turned out everything was ok..my husband is not a carrier. it took about 2 weeks to get back all of the results for each of the testings.

Good luck.

Edited to say: Insurance covered it all!

Message edited 8/8/2006 9:14:44 AM.

Re: Genetic Testing

Thanks everyone for the info! I think will try to repost on the Pregnancy bored as well.