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Tag Archive for: genetic screening

Posts

At-Home Genetic Testing Kits: Do They Really Work?

Blog, Health News

Move over personality quizzes! There’s a cooler test that has been giving people insights into their genetic code: at-home genetic testing. But before you swab your cheek and wait by the mailbox for your answers, make sure you understand what these tests can and can’t do.

At-home genetic testing, which is also referred to as direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing, offers many options to analyze genetic factors associated with ancestry, health, physical traits or abilities. These can be impactful for those looking for more information on how genetics may influence their health risks. Some tests are specific to a particular condition, while others identify common diseases that may be more likely to occur. At-home genetic testing can inspire lifestyle changes to reduce the risk for health conditions but should not take the place of seeking care from a health care provider.

Types of Genetic Testing

Several types of genetic tests can be completed at home. Some tests are more extensive, while others will be more specific in identifying certain risks or traits. Some at home tests may still require a physician to order them. The main categories of genetic tests include:

  • Lifestyle: what does your DNA have to say about your nutrition, fitness, sleep needs or even your likelihood of having perfect musical pitch?
  • Ancestry: where your ancestors might have come from?
  • Disease risk and health: are you at risk of developing certain diseases or health problems?
  • Kinship: are you biologically related to a specific person (for example, paternity testing)?

What Health Conditions Can You Identify with At Home Genetic Testing Kits?

Do certain diseases or health conditions run in your family? How many of them could you avoid if you made lifestyle changes now? How likely are you to pass on certain traits or genetic predispositions to your children? These are some of the answers people hope they’ll discover with an at-home genetic testing kit.

At-home genetic testing can show if you have genetic indicators for the following:

  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
  • and many more

Test results can give risk information for these common medical conditions based on many genetic variants. It’s known as a polygenic risk score.  Polygenic risk scores can help identify individuals at higher risk for developing certain health problems. They can help doctors know to screen people for these conditions earlier or more often.

For example, the popular DTC genetic testing company 23andMe offers a Type 2 Diabetes report. It looks for genetic variants that may make a person more likely to develop diabetes. If someone learns they are genetically at risk of developing diabetes, they may be inspired to maintain a healthy weight and diet to avoid the disease.

How At Home Genetic Tests Work

At-home genetic tests usually involve a simple saliva test. Some tests ask you to swab your cheek while others require you to spit into a small test tube. In some cases, you may need to prick your finger and dab blood onto a collection card. This small amount of your DNA is then mailed to a laboratory. The laboratory will analyze your sample for genetic differences. It can take a week or longer until you receive your results through the mail, email, or a mobile app.

How Accurate are DTC Genetic Tests?

An at-home test is a good start if you’re looking for indicators of a disease or condition or if you want to know more about your family ancestry. If you want to get definitive details on your DNA, such as whether you carry a gene mutation that would put you at higher risk of having a child with a genetic condition, you should go to a medical professional.

While at-home tests can evaluate many things, they do not take into account your overall health history or your family history. They may only look at an incomplete number of genetic markers or they may only be relevant for people of certain ethnicities. There is also a chance that you can get a false positive or false negative result. At-home tests may not be performed in an accredited or licensed lab.

Medical genetic testing that is sent to a clinical lab is available through your healthcare provider, but it’s important to remember that health insurance may not cover this unless there is a medical reason for testing.  Medical genetic testing ordered by your doctor is more likely to provide accurate results, and clinical labs are regulated by various federal and state agencies.

An example is the BRCA genetic testing, which studies the DNA to determine if a specific gene variant that increases the risk for cancer is present. While some DTC labs state that their test covers BRCA, the results may not give a comprehensive analysis of an individual’s DNA.  This is why seeing a clinician is often recommended when there is a concerning personal or family history of cancer.

Are There Limitations to At-Home Genetic Tests?

While at-home tests can tell you about your genetic predisposition to an illness, they don’t consider environmental factors or your diet. For diseases such as type 2 diabetes, an individual’s lifestyle will play a much larger role in the development of the disease.

This extra knowledge and insight into a person’s genetic makeup could influence them to make healthier decisions that improve their quality of life.

What Should I Do After Receiving the Results?

If you received a positive result on a test, you should connect with your primary care physician about recommended follow-up. They may suggest more thorough medical testing or meeting with a genetic counselor.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a DTC Genetics Test

Why do you want the test?

Is it to gain insight into your ancestry? Are you simply curious about your genetics? Those are great reasons to use an at-home genetic testing kit. But if you’re concerned that you may have inherited a genetic illness or that you might pass it on to your children, it may be more appropriate to schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor.

What would you do if you received a concerning result?

Consider the next steps if you receive an unexpected or concerning result. Before announcing anything to friends and family, set up an appointment with a health care provider to verify the results and get professional advice for what to do next.

Do you know what the DTC company may do with your personal information?

Read the fine print before selecting a genetic testing company or lab. Do they collect more data about you than necessary? How much information do they share or sell to third-party companies?

Other Considerations Before Doing At-Home Genetic Testing

Taking an at-home genetics test can be a fun experience that can help you learn more about yourself! You can also become part of the All of Us research program that works with the National Institute of Health with a goal of building a diverse health database focused on disease prevention and treatment.  This research program also offers participants the option of receiving results regarding their ancestry, traits and health.

If you’re concerned about a genetic predisposition or are experiencing symptoms of a disorder that could be genetic, connect with your physician to discuss medical genetic testing.  This will ensure accurate results, proper medical attention, and any needed follow-ups.

 

Jill Ciske is a certified genetic counselor who has been with Madison Women’s Health since 2011. Jill received her undergraduate degree in Genetics from University of Wisconsin-Madison, went on to receive her Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Minnesota, and has been certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling since 1996.

October 25, 2022/by Jill Ciske
https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AdobeStock_289014052.jpg 667 1000 Jill Ciske https://madisonwomenshealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/mwh_logo-300x177.png Jill Ciske2022-10-25 13:49:502022-10-31 12:40:31At-Home Genetic Testing Kits: Do They Really Work?

Ultrasounds During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy

Moms-to-be typically look forward to ultrasounds during pregnancy more than any other prenatal appointment. It’s easy to see why! It’s fun to get a sneak peek of your bundle of joy while your OBGYN looks for specific growth and development markers. Many women look forward to learning their baby’s sex as soon as possible and wait impatiently for their 20-week ultrasound. Others want to be surprised. Whether or not you intend to learn about your baby’s sex ASAP, it’s important to keep all your ultrasound appointments.

An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is typically performed by an ultrasound technician or sometimes by an OBGYN. It uses sound waves to create an image of the organs inside your body. (These sound waves are not harmful to you or your baby.) Ultrasounds during pregnancy help doctors diagnose many diseases and conditions, even those not related to pregnancy.

This article will cover why and how ultrasounds are used during your pregnancy, how many ultrasounds to expect while you’re pregnant, and what your OBGYN may be looking for at each ultrasound.

Most pregnant women typically only get two ultrasounds, one at the beginning of pregnancy and one about halfway through. Other women may have three or more ultrasounds done depending on a number of factors.

Your First Ultrasound

Your first ultrasound is called the “dating” or “viability” ultrasound. It’s typically done between 7 and 8 weeks to verify your due date, to look for a fetal heartbeat, and to measure the length of the baby from “crown to rump.”  At this ultrasound, you’ll also learn whether you’re having one baby, pregnant with twins, or more! You may even get to see or hear your baby’s heartbeat during this appointment.

If you have irregular periods, or didn’t have a period after coming off birth control, this ultrasound will be especially helpful in determining a more accurate due date. Your due date is important because it helps your doctor know whether your baby’s development is on track each month.

We’ll perform this ultrasound at our Madison Women’s Health clinic.

What to Expect at Your First Ultrasound

When you’re just 7 or 8 weeks pregnant, your fetus is only about two centimeters long. In order to get a close enough view of your uterus and fetus, the dating ultrasound is done transvaginally. This means the ultrasound is done internally, literally “through the vagina.”  A transvaginal ultrasound can be a little uncomfortable, but it is not painful. Most would say it feels less invasive than a gynecological exam that uses a speculum.

To perform this ultrasound, your OBGYN or ultrasound tech will gently insert a narrow ultrasound wand just inside your vagina. The transvaginal ultrasound wand is also called a transducer. It’s about three centimeters around, a little larger than a tampon. It will be covered by a condom and lubricant. The wand will not reach your cervix and is safe for your baby.

You may be asked to arrive at your first ultrasound with a full bladder. Having a fuller bladder helps to put your uterus in a better position for the ultrasound.

What Your Doctor is Looking for at Your First Ultrasound

  • Viability of pregnancy
  • Fetal heartbeat
  • Fetal size
  • Single or multiple pregnancy

Genetic Screening Ultrasound

If you choose to have prenatal genetic testing done, you’ll have your next ultrasound at 12 to 13 weeks gestation. This ultrasound is also called nuchal translucency screening. It’s offered to everyone and is covered by most insurance plans. This genetic screening ultrasound is optional.

During this ultrasound, your doctor will look for indicators of chromosomal disorders. Chromosomal disorders mean that the baby received an extra chromosome at conception and could have moderate to extreme physical or mental challenges. These disorders include:

  • Trisomy 21, known as Down Syndrome
  • Trisomy 13
  • Trisomy 18

Read more about carrier screening and prenatal genetic testing. Also check out the article about at-home genetic testing kits.

What Your Doctor is Looking for at the Genetic Screening Ultrasound

This ultrasound will be an anatomical scan. Your doctor will look to see if all four limbs are present. They will also look for basic structures in the brain, the stomach, the bladder, the nasal bone, and last but not least, something called nuchal translucency. Nuchal translucency is a fluid sack at the back of the baby’s neck that is filled with lymphatic fluid. There are correlations between the size of that sack of fluid and the likelihood that the fetus could be affected by a major chromosomal disorder.

After the ultrasound has been performed, your OBGYN will interpret the results and share the information with you. You may also meet with a genetic counselor who could recommend having additional tests done to verify the ultrasound results.

Keep in mind that ultrasound screenings for other genetic disorders or anatomic abnormalities become more accurate further into the pregnancy.

We’ll perform this ultrasound at the Madison Women’s Health clinic.

Should you Get a Genetic Screening Ultrasound?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Here are some good questions to ask yourself as you decide whether to have the genetic screening:

  • Is there a family history of these genetic birth disorders?
  • Would I terminate my pregnancy if there was a risk of Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, or other genetic disorder?
  • Would knowing about my pregnancy’s risk of genetic defect make it easier to emotionally or physically prepare for a baby with a birth defect?
  • Would it be easier for me to cope with and enjoy pregnancy if I focus on the more likely positive outcome rather than the chance of birth defects?

Whether you choose to have genetic screening done at this time is entirely your decision. Some women prefer to have as much information as possible as early as possible, while other women do not. If you’re still uncertain, you can discuss the pros and cons with your OBGYN.

Basic Anatomy Scan Ultrasound

This is the ultrasound that people look forward to the most! The full anatomy ultrasound is typically performed at about 20 weeks, or 5 months. As the name implies, this ultrasound will look at all the baby’s organ systems to make sure they’re present, are a normal size and shape, and are in the right location.

What to Expect at a Full Anatomy Scan Ultrasound

The full anatomy scan is a transabdominal ultrasound. It uses a transducer that looks a lot like a store checkout scanner. The ultrasound technician will put warm ultrasound gel on your stomach and then slide the transducer in the gel around your stomach. The gel helps the sound waves travel through your skin.

Tip: Come to your appointment with a relatively full bladder. This will make it easier for your ultrasound technician to get better images of your baby.

Because there are so many things to look for, this ultrasound will take at least 45 minutes—if your little one cooperates! If you’ve got an extra squirmy baby who is “camera shy,” it could take a few hours to get all the images that we need. Don’t worry, we have a lot of tricks to encourage your baby to change positions—everything from asking you to lay on one side and then the other, emptying your bladder or filling it, maybe even walking around. We’ll do whatever it takes to get the images we need to track your baby’s growth and development.

What Your OBGYN is Looking for at a Full Anatomy Scan

During the full anatomy, 20-week ultrasound, you can find out if your baby is male or female. If you want the sex to be a surprise, be sure to tell your technician know ahead of time so they don’t accidentally let it slip. When the scan is complete, Meriter will even send you a link to view some fun photos of your baby!

Your ultrasound technician will capture a large number images and measurements:

  • limbs: arms, legs, feet, hands
  • torso: chest, heart, kidneys, stomach, bladder, diaphragm, genitals
  • head and face
  • spine
  • umbilical cord
  • amount of amniotic fluid
  • location, size, and shape of your placenta
  • length of your cervix

After your ultrasound technician has captured all these images and measurements, your OBGYN will review the pictures and look for abnormalities such as congenital heart defects or cleft lip or palate. They’ll discuss their findings with you and help you understand what you’re looking at in the different images.

If everything looks normal and there are no other issues during your pregnancy, the next time you’ll see your baby is when he or she is in your arms! In the meantime, you can enjoy those 2D or 3D photos of your baby!

This ultrasound will be performed at UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital Center for Perinatal Care.

“Extra” Ultrasounds

Sometimes, women need additional ultrasounds during pregnancy. Your OBGYN may ask you to come in for additional ultrasounds to check your:

  • Cervical length: if your cervix is shorter than expected, you may need to have your cervix checked regularly to be sure it stays closed so that you can maintain your pregnancy. If the cervix continues to shorten or thin, you may need a cerclage to help strengthen it until it’s time to deliver your baby. Cervical length ultrasounds occur at 16, 18, 20 and 22 weeks and are done transvaginally.
  • Placental location and size: if your placenta is too small, if it is in an abnormal location or if it is an abnormal shape, then we will need to monitor it and the growth of your baby with regular ultrasounds. Your placenta is responsible for passing blood and nutrients to your baby, so it’s important thrat it is growing correctly.

You may need growth ultrasounds if you have:

  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • high BMI (body mass index) going into pregnancy
  • preeclampsia
  • indicators that your placenta or uterus is not growing appropriately

Sometimes, growth ultrasounds are needed to check that your baby’s growth is continuing along the growth curve. They’re done at 28, 32, and 36 weeks. One way doctors estimate whether your baby is growing as expected is by measuring your fundal height. Fundal height is the number of centimeters from your pubic bone to the top of your uterus. This measurement typically increases about 1 cm each week. If your uterus has not grown appropriately in the last month, your OBGYN will surmise that your baby is also not growing and will want to perform monthly growth ultrasounds.

What to Expect at a Growth Ultrasound

These ultrasounds take less time than the full basic anatomy ultrasound because there are fewer measurements required. The ultrasound technician will measure the baby’s head circumference, bi-parietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length.

What Your OBGYN is Looking for at Growth Ultrasounds

Your OBGYN is looking to see if your baby is staying on its growth curve. We will also use the measurements to estimate your baby’s weight. A large or extra large baby isn’t typically concerning. An extra-small baby or a baby who does not grow according to their growth curve could mean that the baby is not getting enough nourishment through the placenta and may need to be delivered early.

2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds

2D ultrasounds are the black and white images that you’re probably used to seeing. To an untrained eye, they can look pretty fuzzy or obscure. However, they give the best definition of the structures of your growing peanut and are considered the “gold standard” of diagnostic imaging.

3D images are especially popular among parents-to-be who want to enjoy those cute baby pictures even before the baby is born! These pictures show facial features and look much more baby-like than the kind of obscure 2D images. 3D ultrasounds have usefulness beyond the cuteness factor, however! In the case of abnormalities of the spine or palate, 3D ultrasounds can help your OBGYN get a better idea of the severity.

4D images are like a 3D image, but show the baby moving around. They’re like getting to see a live action video of your little one. These are less commonly done because they don’t actually help with diagnoses. Depending on which perinatal center you go to, you might receive a link to view your ultrasound images or videos online.

While there are some stand-alone ultrasound centers offering to tell you your baby’s sex early on or to give you keepsake 3D or 4D images, these aren’t necessary and are rarely covered by insurance. You’ll find out everything you need to know during your appointments at the perinatal center — and those appointments will be covered by your insurance.

The best place to have an ultrasound performed is always at a clinic, where you will have access to a physician who has been trained in interpreting the images. At Madison Women’s Health, we’re happy to print off pictures for you to put in your baby’s scrapbook — or anywhere else you’d like to display those “coming soon” photos.

Final Thoughts

Ultrasounds during pregnancy are a fascinating way to get a glimpse of your developing baby. Don’t be afraid to ask your OBGYN for more details about genetic screening as you determine whether that is something you want done. And make sure you’ve set aside a good amount of time for your ultrasounds — especially the all-important full anatomy scan!

—

Dr. Beth Wiedel, M.D. | Founding partner of Madison Women's Health OBGYN ClinicDr. Beth Wiedel has been providing healthcare to women in Madison since 2002 and is a founding partner of Madison Women’s Health.  She shares the vision of all the partners of being a strong healthcare advocate for her patients, emphasizing compassion and communication throughout her practice.

 

March 24, 2021/by Dr. Beth Wiedel
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