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Genetic Testing →
What are the different types of genetic tests?
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/testing/types/

What are the different types of genetic tests?

Many types of genetic tests are available to analyze changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. A health care provider will consider several factors when selecting the appropriate test, including what condition or conditions are suspected and the genetic variations typically associated with those conditions. If a diagnosis is unclear, a test that looks at many genes or chromosomes may be used. However, if a specific condition is suspected, a more focused test may be done.

There are several types of genetic tests:

Molecular tests look for changes in one or more genes. These types of tests determine the order of DNA building blocks (nucleotides) in an individual's genetic code, a process called DNA sequencing. These tests can vary in scope:

  • Targeted single variant: Single variant tests look for a specific variant in one gene. The selected variant is known to cause a disorder (for example, the specific variant in the HBB gene that causes sickle cell disease). This type of test is often used to test family members of someone who is known to have a particular variant, to determine whether they have a familial condition. Also, direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies typically analyze a number of specific variants in particular genes (rather than finding all the variants in those genes) when providing health or disease risk information.
  • Single gene: Single gene tests look for any genetic changes in one gene. These tests are typically used to confirm (or rule out) a specific diagnosis, particularly when there are many variants in the gene that can cause the suspected condition.
  • Gene panel: Panel tests look for variants in more than one gene. This type of test is often used to pinpoint a diagnosis when a person has symptoms that may fit a wide array of conditions, or when the suspected condition can be caused by variants in many genes. (For example, there are hundreds of genetic causes of epilepsy.) 
  • Whole exome sequencing/whole genome sequencing: These tests analyze the bulk of an individual’s DNA to find genetic variations. Whole exome or whole genome sequencing is typically used when single gene or panel testing has not provided a diagnosis, or when the suspected condition or genetic cause is unclear. Whole exome or whole genome sequencing is often more cost- and time-effective than performing multiple single gene or panel tests.  

Chromosomal tests analyze whole chromosomes or long lengths of DNA to identify large-scale changes. Changes that can be found include an extra or missing copy of a chromosome (trisomy or monosomy, respectively), a large piece of a chromosome that is added (duplicated) or missing (deleted), or rearrangements (translocations) of segments of chromosomes. Certain genetic conditions are associated with specific chromosomal changes, and a chromosomal test can be used when one of these conditions is suspected. (For example, Williams syndrome is caused by a deletion of a section of chromosome 7.)

Gene expression tests look at which genes are turned on or off (expressed) in different types of cells. When a gene is turned on (active), the cell produces a molecule called mRNA from the instructions in the genes, and the mRNA molecule is used as a blueprint to make proteins. Gene expression tests study the mRNA in cells to determine which genes are active. Too much activity (overexpression) or too little activity (underexpression) of certain genes can be suggestive of particular genetic disorders, such as many types of cancer.

Biochemical tests do not directly analyze DNA, but they study the amount or activity level of proteins or enzymes that are produced from genes. Abnormalities in these substances can indicate that there are changes in the DNA that underlie a genetic disorder. (For example, low levels of biotinidase enzyme activity is suggestive of biotinidase deficiency, which is caused by BTD gene variants.)

For information about types of genetic testing:

The Genetic Testing Registry is available from the National Center of Biotechnology and Information at the National Library of Medicine. The Genetic Testing Registry is a database of laboratory-submitted genetic tests.From the National Institutes of Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information about genetic tests.

The Jackson Laboratory compares different types of genetic tests.

GeneReviews compares whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and the sequencing of a selection of individual genes, particularly their use in the diagnosis of genetic conditions.From the National Institutes of Health


Topics in the Genetic Testing chapter

  • What is genetic testing?
  • What are the different types of genetic tests?
  • What are the uses of genetic testing?
  • How is genetic testing done?
  • What is informed consent?
  • How can I be sure a genetic test is valid and useful?
  • What do the results of genetic tests mean?
  • What is the cost of genetic testing, and how long does it take to get the results?
  • Will health insurance cover the costs of genetic testing?
  • What are the benefits of genetic testing?
  • What are the risks and limitations of genetic testing?
  • What is genetic discrimination?
  • Can genes be patented?
  • How are genetic screening tests different from genetic diagnostic tests?
  • How does genetic testing in a research setting differ from clinical genetic testing?
  • What are whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing?
  • What are secondary findings from genetic testing?
  • What is noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and what disorders can it screen for?
  • What is circulating tumor DNA and how is it used to diagnose and manage cancer?

Other chapters in Help Me Understand Genetics

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

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Last updated July 28, 2021
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