Genetic testing is a type of voluntary medical test used to identify changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. This type of medical test checks for alterations in an individual's genes or changes in the levels of gene products and proteins. Genetic testing could also be used to look for the structure of certain proteins and RNA levels that play a role in certain conditions. The purpose of the test is to identify genetic problems or possible risks of developing genetic diseases. What could genetic testing be used to identify? Molecular genetic tests (or genetic tests) are designed to use single genes or short fractions of DNA in order to identify changes or mutations that lead or may lead to a genetic disease. Moving away from the molecular level a bit, a chromosomal genetic test is used to analyze entire chromosomes, or long fragments of DNA, to see if there are large genetic changes, such as an extra copy of a chromosome. In the case of studying gene products, biochemical genetic testing is performed to study the amount of protein or the level of activity of a certain protein that is known to be important in a genetic disease. Genetic testing can be used for many purposes. One reason for genetic testing is diagnostic testing, which is used to identify or rule out a specific genetic or chromosomal condition. It is used primarily for the purpose of confirming a diagnosis when a genetic condition is suspected based on physical signs and symptoms. Diagnostic tests can be performed at any time in life, even before birth. Similar in purpose to the diagnostic test is carrier testing, used primarily to identify whether a person is heterozygous for a mutation. This type of test would be more suitable for people who have a family history or...... half of the document... Home reference. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/F8Genetics Home Reference (April 28, 2014). How can consumers be sure that a genetic test is valid and useful? - Reference for the house of genetics. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/validtestGenetics Home Reference (April 28, 2014). What are the types of genetic tests? - Reference for the house of genetics. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/usesGenetics Home Reference (April 28, 2014). What is genetic testing? - Reference for the house of genetics. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/genetictestingNational Human Genome Research Institute (2014, March 11). Frequently asked questions about genetic testing. Retrieved from http://www.genome.gov/19516567#al-2OMIM (2012, September 19). Online Mendalian inheritance in humans. Retrieved from omim.org/entry/300841?search=hemophilia&highlight=hae ophilia%20hemophilia