What you need to know about DNA tests
Kylie Whalen, MS, LCGC CG(ASCP)CM, is a Senior Pediatric Genetic Counselor in Inova’s Genetics Department. Kylie received her bachelor’s in diagnostic genetic sciences with a concentration in cytogenetics at the University of Connecticut, and she maintains a current certification as a cytogenetic technologist. Kylie received her master’s in genetic counseling from Long Island University.
DNA tests offer more options than ever before
DNA testing, also known as genetic testing, has grown immensely over the last few decades. Genetic professionals can now choose from multiple different tests to help determine someone’s risk of developing cancer, heart problems or other diseases. Here are answers to commonly asked questions about DNA tests.
What is DNA testing?
DNA testing, also known as genetic testing, has exploded in popularity over the last few years. DNA tests are more affordable and accessible than ever before. But are they the right choice for everyone? Diagnostic genetic testing searches for mutations or changes in your DNA that can indicate the potential for disease. It can help providers determine the kind of medical care you should receive.
What is genetic counseling?
A genetic counselorhelps you decide if genetic testing is an option for you. You’ll meet with a counselor who will explore your medical and family history and go through the pros and cons associated with actually getting those test results. Once the decision is made to move forward with testing, your counselor will review the test results with you and guide you through next steps. Patients can be tested for a range of common conditions including:
- Breast, colon, ovarian, uterine, and other cancers
- Heart problems including arrythmias (issues with the heart rhythm), cardiomyopathy (a disease that affects the heart muscle) and conditions that result in very high cholesterol levels
- Issues with children including heart defects, developmental problems, delayed motor skills or speech, autism, slow growth, seizures and epilepsy
What does it mean to be a carrier?
20,000 genes make up the human genome. Genes are made of DNA (the molecule that forms the genetic code) and serve as the instructions for your body’s growth and function:
- Each one of us has two copies of every gene, one inherited from their mother and one inherited from their father
- There are certain genetic conditions that will affect an individual if there is a variant or a mutation on both copies of the gene inherited from both parents (recessive). In that case, for a person with that variant on only one copy, they would be considered a carrier
- As far as recessive genetic conditions are concerned, carriers generally don’t have any symptoms, but their children could inherit both variants if both parents are carriers
Genetic testing at Inova vs. companies such as 23andMe
Inova’s general genetics team consists of six genetic counselors, two geneticists, two genetic counseling assistants, and a cardiogenetics coordinator focused on the following areas:
- Pediatric genetics
- Adult genetics
- Cardio genetics
- Prenatal genetics
Inova also has a separate team of nine genetic counselors dedicated to hereditary cancer genetics. The biggest difference in genetic testing at Inova and other health systems as opposed to 23andMe® and other direct-to-consumer (DTC) companies centers on the information that they’re allowed to review or report. Inova does clinical genetic testing for patients that are referred with the goal of a diagnosis.
DTC genetic testing companies are allowed to analyze certain genes or report certain types of changes in a gene, but they can’t tell you everything. Clinical genetic testing is a more comprehensive option for patients seeking a genetic diagnosis.
Testing breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2
One example of the difference between a health system such as Inova and a DTC is genetic testing for breast cancer risk. One DTC lab tests the two most common genes including BRCA1 and BRCA2 for only three mutations that appear more often in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. A clinical genetic testing lab on the other hand might analyze almost 20 different genes and test for thousands of mutations.
Is a blood sample more effective than saliva for testing?
Initially, genetic testing was done on blood, but tools have evolved. Specialists can now extract DNA from other cells in the body including a saliva sample or a cheek swab. These are done a lot, especially for kids, and are just as accurate. Inova collects samples in clinic and sends them to any one of a number of clinical genetic testing companies based on the particular test recommended for the patient. Once the results come back, the team:
- Reviews the report with you
- Clarifies ambiguous information
- Determines next steps
- Helps coordinate those next steps
Inova protects your personal health information
Inova utilizes only clinical genetic testing companies, not DTC companies. All personal health information is protected and none of those identifiers are ever shared.
Trends in the field of genetics
In the past we used to do smaller genetic tests because there were a lot of concerns around cost and insurance coverage. Now more insurance companies are recognizing genetics and genetic testing which has resulted in better coverage. We’re able to do bigger tests than we could in the past, which means we can offer patients a lot more options to take control of their healthcare.
Genetics will continue to be an important part of healthcare
DNA tests can help you develop a better understanding of conditions you and your family may be at risk for, and you can then work with your provider to chart a course of action for your healthcare.
If you are interested in DNA tests, learn more about Inova’s Genetic Programs
Please provide more detailed information about DNA testing. Also, prevention post results and pricing.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. The cost varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your health plan.
Inova’s genetics department is set-up in different clinics. To learn more, please contact the clinic that you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Their phone numbers are listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
How do we sign up?
Is the counseling only in large hospitals, or is done by Zoom?
Is this out-of-pocket or covered by insurance/Medicare?
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. The cost varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance. The appointment is typically an in-person appointment.
Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department that you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Their phone numbers are listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
Is this testing covered by Medicare and United Health Care pkan F?
Insurance coverage varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance.
You can learn more about Inova Genetics services on the website at https://www.inova.org/our-services/genetics
I’m a seemingly perfectly healthy 72 year old female, still walking 2.5 miles a day, doing some weight-bearing exercise. How can I obtain genetic testing?
Healthcare providers usually do not proceed with genetic testing if it is not medically necessary. If you have a family history for a condition, your healthcare provider may recommend genetic testing or if you are symptomatic. We recommend that you discuss your interest in genetic testing with your doctor and they can provide guidance.
I was adopted and do not know much about my genetics. I’m 78 and have heart disease and mgus and a clotting disease antiphospholipids. I don’t know if these problems are from genetics and I might possible pass this on to my son.
How much does this cost and is it covered by Medicare
Response on behalf of Inova Genetics team: Inova Genetics provides diagnostic genetic testing for those with suspected genetic conditions or a strong family history of a specific genetic condition. If heart disease is something genetic, they could be seen in our cardiogenetics clinic. We recommend reaching out to your cardiologist to see if they recommend genetics evaluation. If so, the doctor will provide a referral. Inova does not currently test for the other conditions mentioned.
If you are interested in knowing more about your genetic predisposition for medically actionable conditions, either due to lack of known family history or general curiosity, the genetic testing lab Invitae offers broad genetic test panels, known as “healthy screenings,” to look for predisposition to certain cardiac conditions (arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, genetic forms of high blood pressure or cholesterol), cancer predisposition risks, and more. Individuals have the option to go broad (comprehensive genetic health screen) or limited to one area of concern, such as just cancer predisposition or just cardiovascular risks.
This testing is offered at an accredited lab (CAP and CLIA certified), meaning that this lab meets or exceeds industry standards. We are not affiliated with the lab, so we don’t get any compensation for referring an individual to this service. Inova does order from this lab when there are patients who meet requirements for diagnostic testing (suspected of having a genetic diagnosis).
If you are interested in this type of genetic testing, you can learn more and order the testing at the following link: https://www.invitae.com/en/proactive/
An alternative option is NIH’s All of Us Research program, which you can join for free. The All of Us program may lead to you learning more about your health, including information about your DNA. Some of the information you might learn includes ancestry, traits, and health-related DNA results that you can share with your health care provider.
You will be asked to share electronic health records, and may be asked to give samples of blood, urine, and/or saliva for lab and DNA test. The health information that participants share with the All of US program will go into a secure database that researchers all over the world can apply to use to study many different health conditions. We are not affiliated with the NIH All of Us Research Program and receive no compensation or benefits for referring an individual to join. If you are interested, please visit https://allofus.nih.gov/
Please note: Inova Genetics is not affiliated, associated authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Invitae or the NIH.
So, what does it cost and how do we arrange for it?
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. The cost varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance.
Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department that you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Their phone numbers are listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
You can find more information on the website, https://www.inova.org/our-services/genetics
Is there a test you do for Alzheimer’s disease?
The Inova genetics team do see patients for personal or family history of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Their clinic do not see patients for family history of late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Genetic testing for the APOE risk allele is not clinically recommended for asymptomatic patients. You can contact the Adult Genetics team at 703-776-4437.
Learn more on their website, https://www.inova.org/our-services/genetics/adult-neurogenetics-clinic
What is the cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Cost varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance.
Good info. But not a mention of how to get it.
Great point! Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Please find their phone number listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
Or you can find more information on the website, https://www.inova.org/our-services/genetics
I would like to know more about Inova’s genetic program.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Please find their phone number listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
Or you can find more information on the website, https://www.inova.org/our-services/genetics
I would like more information.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Please find their phone number listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
Fascinating. It has been suggested that genetic sequencing tests could help my 6-8 docs figure out the cause of my rapid degradation of my bones and muscles. They’ve ruled out all the common causes and some rare ones.
How much does cost? None of my docs knew enough of the process to guide me or prescribe DNA testing. I’m currently a patient in the Medstar system, but that could change.
The cost varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance. Most insurance companies cover genetic testing if it is recommended by a healthcare provider. The Inova Genetics Clinic sees adult patients for that include neuromuscular conditions. To learn more, please contact them by phone at 571-472-4300 or you can email questions to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond. Find more information on their website, https://www.inova.org/our-services/genetics/pediatric-and-adult-medical-genetics
What do you charge for the test and counseling?
The cost varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance. Most insurance companies cover genetic testing if it is recommended by a healthcare provider.
do insurance companies cover genetic testingespecially when one does not have a medical need for it.
Healthcare providers usually do not proceed with genetic testing if it is not medically necessary. Most insurance companies cover genetic testing if recommended by a healthcare provider.
I’m interested in DNA testing.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Please find their phone number listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
I very interested in the genetic testing
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Please find their phone number listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
I want to get tested
Thank you for your interest in genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the department you are interested in receiving genetic testing. Please find their phone number listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
Very informative
Yes, I am interested in genetic testing.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the departments below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and we will triage from there.
Does Medicare (Plan G) and commercial BC/BS cover testing. If not, what would be approximate costs be for husband and wife?
Insurance coverage varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance.
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia healthcare provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and we will triage from there.
Does Medicare cover such tests?
Insurance coverage varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance.
I will like to know if I can do the DNA test
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the departments below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
How do I proceed to the next stage of genetic counseling/testing/etc.?
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the genetic testing department you are seeking testing, phone numbers are below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
How can I do the DNA test and what would the cost be or could my insurance cover it.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing. This cost varies widely by laboratory and test. Billing is discussed in the genetics appointment. Typically, the labs will go through your insurance.
Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the genetics counseling department you are interested in learning more, by calling their number below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
I would like to more information on your genetics programs that you offer. Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in learning more about genetic testing! Inova’s genetics department is broken up into different categories. To learn more, please contact the genetics department you are interested in receiving testing, their phone numbers are listed below:
For cancer genetic concerns call 571-472-0444. Referrals from a Virginia provider are required.
For prenatal/family planning genetic concerns call 703-776-6654. Referrals are required.
For cardiogenetic concerns call 703-776-7665.
For adult genetic concerns call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients.
For pediatric genetic concerns call 703-776-4437.
Any questions can also be emailed to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.
Interested in adult genetics testing
Thank you for your interest in learning more about Inova’s adult genetics testing. Please contact our adult genetic team, please call 703-776-4437. Specialist referrals are required for symptomatic patients. Or you can send your questions by email to inovagenetics@inova.org and the team will respond.