Genetic testing was supposed to make the search for gene test laboratories simple. However, in some areas, the laboratories are hard to locate. Also, for some diseases, there could only be one laboratory that can provide the appropriate genetic test. There have been US patents issued to cover diagnostic testing for some genetic illnesses.
In choosing a laboratory, a few considerations should be taken. This includes the laboratory personnel, compatibility, reliability, ease of communication, location, turnaround time, and cost.
The laboratory personnel in-charged with gene tests have two roles-to process the samples of the patients, and to interface with the clinicians about their patients. The laboratory personnel have a license in his field of expertise such as laboratory director, technologists, genetic counselors, and supervisors.
To test the compatibility of the laboratory, the gene test provided by the laboratory should match the specific clinical requirements.
This involves many things such as having a test methodology that is suitable to the purpose, and ensuring the laboratory that is testing the right genes as some diseases are caused by gene mutations. Since the DNA tests vary, the laboratory should provide the most appropriate test for a particular clinical situation, like a particular gene mutation, panel of mutations, or complete gene sequence.
The laboratory should also be reliable in terms of experience and qualifications. Laboratories conducting clinical testing in gene tests must have a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment or CLIA certification. You can also determine its reliability by its association with a reputable company or prestigious university. Its director must be board certified, and its laboratory works published in medical literature. Finally, choose the laboratory that has good experience in handling genetic test.
Communication is very important in all matter. When it comes to choosing the laboratory, communication is equally significant when it comes to handling the gene tests. Professionals handling the gene tests should be able to assess the appropriateness of the test, and identify the best testing paradigm for a family, and interpret the results with accuracy. When the results become available, you should know what type of information is given. Examples of information contained on test results are raw data, references, interpretation, sensitivity of information, and more. The laboratory having an ease of communication is able to provide ready information about the available tests and the logistics of sample collection, as well as its shipping.
The location is another factor in considering a laboratory particularly if it is outside the United States, which require going through Customs, which can be toilsome as the package should identify its content and declare statement of value.
The turnaround time of laboratories vary from sending a sample receipt to delivering the test result. Most clinical laboratories have a uniform turn-around time for gene tests using similar approach. If ever the test needs to be rushed, the laboratory needs to be informed beforehand to determine whether the lab is capable of meeting such deadline.
The costs of genetic testing ranges from $100 to $2000 depending on some factors, which include the test methodology, laboratory testing strategy, and numbers of individuals tested.
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