FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PATIENTS
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET RESULTS ? A number of factors can affect the time it takes to obtain results , but we expect that most results will be returned in about 2-3 months . Because of the way testing is done , samples obtained on the same day are not necessarily processed at the same time . Therefore , please don ’ t be concerned if it takes longer than expected to receive your results , and please understand that your results may come back later than for a sample obtained from another person on the same day . The time it takes to obtain a result is not an indication of a genetic disorder .
HOW MUCH DOES AGHI TESTING COST ? Participation in AGHI is free . There is no cost associated with enrolling in the study and receiving genomic screening results . Costs associated with your routine medical care after disclosure of results from AGHI participation are not covered by AGHI .
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TEST RESULTS ? There are two ways you may learn your AGHI test results . Your doctor will receive a copy of your results as soon as they are ready . Your doctor ’ s office may reach out to you to discuss your results and what they mean for you . AGHI also will send a copy of your results to you in the mail .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PATIENTS
WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY TEST RESULTS ? If you have questions about your AGHI test results , please contact your primary care provider or email the AGHI study team at aghi @ uab . edu .
WHAT TYPES OF INFORMATION WILL I GET FROM THE TEST ? You will receive two different types of information from AGHI . You will receive a disease risk result that tells you whether any gene changes were found that may increase your risk of developing a certain disease . You also will receive a pharmacogenetic result that tells you whether any gene changes were found that may affect how your body responds to medicines . You will receive two separate reports , one about disease risk and one about pharmacogenetics . You may receive these reports at different times .
WHAT DISEASE RISKS CAN BE FOUND ? Your DNA sample will be examined for changes in a set of genes associated with actionable diseases . The word “ actionable ” means that you could take a certain action with your medical care to lower your chance of getting the disease . Most of the genes looked at are associated with a genetic form of cardiovascular ( heart and blood vessels ) disease or the risk of cancer . Cardiovascular diseases include problems with the heart muscle , heart rhythm , and arteries , or a high cholesterol level . Cancer risks include breast , ovarian , colon , thyroid , and many other types of cancer . Other genes included in the screening are associated with malignant hyperthermia , an adverse reaction to certain anesthesia , and several other rare genetic diseases . In the course of testing , it ’ s possible that the AGHI team will identify and report on a gene change believed to be medically actionable that is not on the current list of genes .
IF MY GENETIC TESTING INDICATES INCREASED RISK OF A GENETIC DISEASE , DOES THAT MEAN I ’ LL DEFINITELY GET THAT DISEASE ? No . The genetic test indicates an increased risk of disease , but not everyone at increased risk goes on to actually develop the condition . If your test is positive , we will recommend follow-up medical testing to determine if you are showing signs of the condition and a monitoring program to watch for any signs that the condition may be developing . A person who tests positive can live a long life and never develop signs or symptoms . aghi . org 25