When Genetic Testing Might Help to Diagnose a Child's Condition
The Genetic testing team offers a comprehensive range of genetic testing services from our Blackrock clinic. Under the stewardship of our founder, the highly experienced Dr Willie Reardon - someone with more than 35 years of experience at the world's leading hospitals - we help people of all ages access important health information.
Genetic testing is something that can apply to anyone at any point in their lives - including children. As such, if your child displays symptoms of an inherited condition or one that could be the result of a spontaneous gene mutation, a doctor may recommend it. The most common situation we see in our clinic is a child with a developmental delay whose investigation by paediatricians has failed to identify a defining cause of the problems.
Why Genetic Testing is Conducted
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in assessing the risk of the development of certain diseases, in addition to screening. There are many reasons why it may be conducted.
Diagnostic testing - to reveal whether a person has s suspected disorder.
Presymptomatic & predictive testing - to determine the family history of a genetic condition.
Carrier testing - to assess whether someone carries a gene for certain disorders.
Prenatal testing - able to detect some types of abnormalities in a baby's genes.
Preimplantation testing - used when couples are attempting to conceive a child through in vitro fertilization.
When May Genetic Testing be Recommended For a Child?
There are a number of instances when genetic testing may be recommended for your child. The following childhood health issues can be contributed to by genetic mutations.
Immune disorders that cause frequent illnesses.
Delays in speech, motor or cognitive function.
Chronic mood or behavioural problems.
Hearing or vision problems.
Heart rhythm problems.
Developmental disabilities.
Structural birth defects.
Movement disorders.
Hormone imbalances.
Poor growth.
Seizures.
Should your family member display symptoms of any genetic disorder-related condition, your doctor may suggest genetic testing in order to confirm a diagnosis and adjust treatment plans. Even in the instance where no unusual health symptoms are presented by a child, a family history of genetic disease can be sufficient reason for testing.
Offering a Wide Range of Genetic Testing Services
When your child shows signs of potential health conditions, it can be a worrying time. However, at Genetics.ie, the prompt, consultant-delivered service we offer reflects our expertise, experience and commitment to informed patient care, so you're in very good hands.
To find out more about the full array of testing services we offer that cover cardiac genetics, muscular dystrophies, developmental disorders and more, visit us today at www.genetics.ie. Alternatively, to speak to us about your testing requirements, simply call 087 4037149 today.