Genetic Testing & Interpretation

Overview

Are you experiencing symptoms related to a genetic condition but are not sure if you have the gene for it? A genetic testing and interpretation session with us might be just what you need for overall wellness. Learn more about the benefits of genetic testing and its usefulness in integrative medicine.

What is Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing looks to find changes in your DNA that are responsible for the incidence of disease that you may be currently experiencing. It can also be used to determine whether a patient is at risk for developing or passing on a disease, such as dementia or breast cancer, as they age.

What are the Different Types of Genetic Testing?

There are several different types of genetic testing, including:

  • Predictive testing, which is used to detect changes in DNA that may occur later on in life.
  • Diagnostic testing, which is used to confirm whether physical symptoms are related to a suspected genetic or chromosomal condition
  • Carrier testing, which identifies genetic mutations that can lead to genetic disorders if present in two copies. This type of testing is used particularly in pregnant patients
  • Pharmacogenomic testing, which offers insight into the most effective medications and dosages for your body

What Are the Benefits of Genetic Testing?

There are multiple benefits to undergoing genetic testing. A certified professional known as a geneticist or genetic counselor can help carry out and interpret the results of your genetic test. The benefits of genetic testing and interpretation are:

  • Knowing your genotype can prevent harmful side effects when starting a new drug
  • Genetic testing can help detect the incidence of chronic diseases such as breast cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, type II diabetes, and dementia. Applying the principles of integrative medicine to treat or manage the underlying symptoms can lead to improved wellness
  • Improve your diet
  • Increase your level of physical activity to lower or neutralize the incidence of heart-related diseases

Research and clinical studies show that lifestyle changes and the implementation of integrative medicine and therapies can be more effective than standard drug therapy in treating chronic diseases like type II diabetes.

What to Expect During a Genetic Testing & Interpretation Session

If you’ve never been to a genetic testing and interoperation session, you might be wondering what to expect. A geneticist or trained genetic counselor at Chris Strickland will begin by asking you a comprehensive set of questions to determine your current health, including detailed family history, chronic pain, medications, and overall lifestyle. From there, a genetic sample will be taken—this can be a blood sample, but also saliva, skin, and amniotic fluid are also common sample types.

Your DNA is then sent to the lab, where it will be sequenced and processed according to the type of genetic testing ordered by your physician. Your DNA will be analyzed, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled where the results are interpreted by your doctor. Based on these results, a plan of treatment using various integrative therapies will be created and can last for several weeks, depending on your symptoms and disease.

For more information about genetic testing and interpretation, contact Chris Strickland at (706) 769-9779.


Resources:

  • What is Tooth Decay?

    Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss. Some of the biggest culprits causing

    Read more
  • Wisdom Teeth

    Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the back corners of the upper and lower normal adult mouth. Unfortunately, most people experience problems from wisdom teeth; in most cases, this is because the teeth erupt too close to existing permanent teeth, causing crowding, improper

    Read more
  • Women and Tooth Care

    Women have special needs when it comes to their oral health. That’s because the physical changes they undergo through life—menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, breast-feeding and menopause—cause many changes in the body, some harmful to teeth and gums. Lesions and ulcers, dry sockets, as

    Read more
  • X-Rays

    When X-rays pass through your mouth during a dental exam, more X-rays are absorbed by the denser parts (such as teeth and bone) than by soft tissues (such as cheeks and gums) before striking the film. This creates an image on the radiograph. Teeth appear lighter because fewer X-rays penetrate to reach

    Read more
  • Your Feet at Work

    Whether you work in an office, a factory, or any other environment, your feet play a vital role in keeping you productive and comfortable throughout the workday. This article explores the importance of foot health in the workplace and provides tips for maintaining healthy feet while on the job. Understanding

    Read more
  • Your First Dental Visit

    Your first dental visit promises to be a pleasant experience. Making sound decisions about your dental care and oral health is an easy thing to do with the right preparation beforehand: Make a list of questions to ask our office, so you don't forget anything on the day of your appointment. This

    Read more
  • Your Footprint

    Your footprint is more than just a mark left on the ground—it can provide valuable insights into the health and structure of your feet. In this article, we'll explore the different types of footprints, what they can reveal about your feet, and how you can use this information to maintain foot health. Types

    Read more
  • Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient

    Patient Rights You have a right to choose your own dentist and schedule an appointment in a timely manner. You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and the dental care team. You have a right to arrange to see the dentist every time you receive dental treatment, subject to

    Read more

Contact Us

Send Us An Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed