Understanding Your Genomic Test Results
Understanding Your Genomic Test Results
If you have received a copy of your genomic laboratory report, you may have questions about what the information means and what happens next.
Genomic laboratory reports are prepared for the healthcare professionals involved in your care. They contain medical and scientific information that supports clinical decision-making, and some of the terminology may be difficult to understand without specialist knowledge.
This page will help you to understand some of the details and where to get further support.
Understanding your results
Your genomic laboratory report contains information about the test that was carried out and the findings identified by the laboratory.
What those findings mean will depend on your individual circumstances, including why you had the test, your medical history and the type of genomic testing carried out.
Your clinician, genetics team or healthcare professional can explain:
- what your result means for you;
- whether the result provides or contributes to a diagnosis;
- whether further tests, appointments or treatment may be recommended;
- whether the result could have implications for members of your family;
- what your next steps may be.
If there is anything in your report that you do not understand, please speak to the healthcare professional.
Here we answer some of your questions
Genomics is the study of all of a person’s genetic information, known as their genome.
Your genome is made up of DNA and contains the instructions that help your body develop and function. Most differences in our DNA do not affect our health, but some genetic changes can cause a health condition or increase the chance of developing one.
Genomics can help healthcare professionals understand more about the causes of some conditions and, in some cases, help guide diagnosis, treatment or care.
A genomic test looks at some or all of your genetic information to identify changes that may be relevant to your health.
There are different reasons why someone may have genomic testing. It may be used to help identify the cause of a rare or inherited condition, understand whether a condition could run in a family, or provide information that may help with the diagnosis or treatment of cancer.
The type of test you have will depend on your individual circumstances and why the test was requested.
Find information relevant to you
Genomic testing is used in different areas of healthcare, and the information and support that are useful to you may depend on why you had your test.
