Genetic Testing

Lehigh Valley Genomics

Laboratory Services & COVID Testing located in Bethlehem, PA

Genetic testing has made incredible advances in recent years, and with today’s techniques, you can learn unparalleled details about an existing disease, as well as your risk of developing health problems in the future. The team at Lehigh Valley Genomics specializes in the gold standard of genetic testing: next-generation sequencing. This test detects genetic and chromosomal changes that other standard tests can’t find. To learn more about genetic testing, call the office in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, or connect online today.

267-296-1325

Genetic Testing Q&A

When might I need genetic testing?

Genetic testing identifies changes in your genes and chromosomes that can cause or increase your risk of developing a disease.

Many adults get genetic testing to determine their risk of passing an inherited condition to their children. But genetic testing does much more. Testing can:

Determine your risk of developing a disease
Diagnose an existing disease
Identify the genetic makeup of an existing disease
Determine the severity of an existing disease
Guide treatment decisions that are best for your genetics
Help you prevent future disease

Most people are familiar with inherited diseases that genetic testing can identify, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy.

However, today’s genetic testing can identify and prevent a range of health problems, including heart and blood vessel disease.

What types of genetic tests might I receive?

The team at Lehigh Valley Genomics specializes in performing many genetic tests, including:

Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics shows how your unique genetic makeup affects your response to drugs. This test helps your doctor prescribe the best medication and dose without months of trial and error.

Hereditary cancers

Lehigh Valley Genomics uses advanced sequencing to analyze 45 genes associated with your risk of developing specific types of cancer.

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia

This panel of genetic tests determines your risk of developing these neurodegenerative diseases. It can also find genes linked with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy, a disease that affects your heart muscles, can develop from a variety of causes. You can also inherit the disease, a condition detected with genetic testing. Inherited cardiomyopathies are a top cause of sudden cardiac death.

Familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol. Getting a genetic test to see if you have the gene can help you prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Diabetes and obesity

Lehigh Valley Genomics uses advanced genetic testing to identify the root cause of diabetes and obesity. The results help your doctor tailor your treatment to your genetics.

How are genetic tests done?

Genetic tests use a sample of your blood or a swab from inside your cheek. The sample then goes to the Lehigh Valley Genomics lab, where the team uses today’s gold standard in genetic testing, next-generation sequencing (NGS).

NGS allows the team to precisely identify problems that other types of genetic testing won’t detect. From the tiniest genetic mutations, such as the addition or loss of a single piece of DNA, to the largest structural changes, NGS produces accurate and detailed results.

Do I receive genetic counseling?

Genetic testing is incredibly complex, and the results often lead to difficult choices. As a result, everyone who decides to have genetic testing should also have counseling.

Lehigh Valley Genomics has an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate genetic counseling team. They’re available to talk with you or your doctor to explain the testing and what the results mean.

If you’re considering genetic testing, call Lehigh Valley Genomics, or connect online. You can also request genetic counseling using the online booking form.