Begin with the clinical question
Different genetic tests have different purposes. Discuss whether the question involves medication response, carrier status, an inherited condition or cancer predisposition.
Bring your personal and family history
A clinician or genetic counselor can use this background to discuss whether testing is appropriate and what type may be informative.
Talk about the possible outcomes
Before testing, ask how positive, negative or uncertain findings would be explained and what the test may be unable to answer.
Make time for interpretation
Results may have implications for relatives as well as the individual tested. Ask who will explain the report and whether genetic counseling is recommended.
Questions to bring to your next conversation
- Why is this test being considered?
- Which genes or variants are included?
- What could an uncertain finding mean?
- Who will help me understand the result?