DNA / Genetic Testing question?

Mitzi Bishi · September 2011

This is horribly embarrassing and dumb, but are they the same things?

Do they do something more in depth if there's an indication of something?

Some how they allowed us to do our first IVF cycle without being tested although they thought they tested us. After our WTF we had to give blood and wait 3 weeks, which is roughly where we're at now, but just waiting for results.

This could really throw us for a loop. It also makes me feel like if they discover something we have a moral obligation to tell our siblings, although we've yet to tell anyone but my mom we're going through all of this. Ugh! I hate IF with a passion.

pantsarella · September 2011

I think they're separate. Depending on what you're talking about. We had genetic screening to see if we were carriers for any diseases, including CF. Because of DH's SA counts, they also tested his DNA to see if there were any problems.

They make sure he's an XY and doesn't have the double X and a couple other fragmentations I think. So those two are separate. But I think people also refer to the genetic testing as DNA testing, which I think is technically incorrect.

Mitzi Bishi · September 2011

pantsarella:
I think they're separate. Depending on what you're talking about. We had genetic screening to see if we were carriers for any diseases, including CF. Because of DH's SA counts, they also tested his DNA to see if there were any problems.
They make sure he's an XY and doesn't have the double X and a couple other fragmentations I think. So those two are separate. But I think people also refer to the genetic testing as DNA testing, which I think is technically incorrect.

Thank you. I'm trying to figure out what they tested us for. Since I'm dealing with another medical system and language it's a bit difficult. I will ask our doctor at my next appointment. I hope we have a fair amount of testing for the obvious reasons, but here they are very precise as to what they will and won't do... like DS is OK, but DE isn't.

limpetfan · September 2011

My main job is to run a high-volume gene sequencer right now, and here's how I would interpret the difference between DNA testing and genetic testing:

DNA testing = sequencing your DNA to find out precisely which version of genes you have, and how many copies of them there are.

Genetic testing = searching a blood sample for very specific genes or gene variants.

Usually what they do for IF people is genetic testing, not DNA testing. DNA testing is usually a LOT more expensive. If they found out one of you is a carrier of some sort of disease they can test for with PGD/IVF, they might want to do in-depth DNA testing to find out more about the version of the disease you carry.

Hope that helps!

sekura · September 2011

My sister did tell me that she was a carrier for cystic fibrosis when she found out through genetic testing; but she did that without it being IF related, I think. So if you want to keep the IF to yourself, you could share any useful info and just say you had genetic testing.

(My sister and I are not close, BTW--we don't really inform each other of things. But she still thought it right to let me know about this, which I appreciated.)

DNA / Genetic Testing question?

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