Physical Risks: Generally, genetic tests have little physical risk. Saliva, blood and cheek swab tests have almost no risk. Genetic testing can have emotional, social and financial risks. It is strongly advised that you have a counseling session with a genetic counselor, geneticist or physician to go over the results.
Getting Genetic Testing Results Can Cause Worry: Concerns about the results of the test make some people feel uneasy, angry, depressed, anxious, or guilty. In some cases, genetic testing creates tension within a family because the results can reveal information about other family members in addition to the person who is tested. We strongly recommend that you speak to a genetic counselor or your or your child's physician throughout the testing process.
Once you have the results of a genetic test there is no going back: This is why it is important to be sure about the decision you make. Remember that making an appointment to have a discussion does not mean that you have to go ahead with testing.
Even though a genetic test may confirm a diagnosis, there may be no intervention or treatment available: such an outcome may have emotional, legal, or economic implications. For example, in a worst case scenario you could find out that you or your child has a genetic condition that may be fatal in the long term without a treatment.
There may be errors or delays in testing and its results: Genetic testing may be delayed, indeterminate or falsely negative due to errors in sample collection, current testing technical limitations, or the patient’s prior medical treatments such as a bone marrow transplant. Testing delays or errors can occur because of sample mishandling, misidentification, and contamination. Additional samples from the patient may be requested if this occurs, which will cause delays in test results.