Currently, the scientific data available to support the use of genetics for assessing a healthy individual’s risk for conditions such as diabetes and obesity is limited.
Although some scientists believe there are genetic markers or variants that can be used to predict these conditions in advance, the evidence remains inconclusive and explains the lack of widespread genetic testing for these “complex diseases,” or conditions that are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. To provide a useful and scientifically sound genetic test, Invitae has chosen to include only genes with established medical actionability, including those recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and other prominent genetics experts.
Guidelines for follow-up care and evaluation currently exist for the majority of the genes included in the Personalized Genetic Health Panel. These guidelines can be used by healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate and effective follow-up medical care for their patients.
Additionally, the presence of a genetic change that does not increase an individual’s own risk of developing a specific medical condition, but that may be passed within an individual’s family (also known as carrier status), may also be reported.