Genetic testing can be an important tool in understanding why you or your child have specific health, development, or learning concerns. It can also help identify people who have a genetic condition that runs in their family.

There are some important questions to think about when deciding whether or not to have a genetic test. Having a genetic test is always a personal choice. Some people choose to delay testing or to not get testing.

There are many types of genetic tests and genetic testing can be done for many reasons.

Genetic tests in Alberta can be ordered by different kinds of doctors, depending on the type of genetic testing. For example:

• Family doctors can order genetic testing for specific conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis and thalassemia, or karyotypes.
• Pediatricians can order chromosomal microarrays and genetic testing for Fragile X syndrome when a child has developmental delays, autism, or intellectual disability.
• Specialists like oncologists or neurologists can order genetic tests when you or your child have a specific health concern that may be caused by a genetic condition.

Many genetic tests in Alberta have ordering restrictions, meaning they can only be ordered by specific kinds of doctors under specific circumstances. Some genetic tests can only be ordered by a genetic specialist after you or your child’s medical and family history have been reviewed by a genetic counsellor or medical geneticist.

There are also situations where a genetic test is:

• not possible, for example complex disorders
• not needed, for example hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, as no genetic cause has been identified
• not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, for example, paternity testing to identify a child’s biological father

Having a genetic test is a personal or family decision. It is up to you to decide if genetic testing is right for you or your child.