Types of Genetic Testing

We offer the following test for patients seeking genetic testing:

CGx

PGx

Cardiovascular Panel

Diabetic-Obesity Panel

What is Cancer Genomics (CGx)

What is Cancer Genomics (CGx)?
The study of cancer genomes has revealed abnormalities in genes that drive the development and growth of many types of cancer. This knowledge has improved our understanding of the biology of cancer and led to new methods of diagnosing and treating the disease.
How will RM's CGx testing benefit patients?
RM's genetic testing can help determine if one is at an increased risk of developing hereditary cancer. In addition, our CGx test helps guide physicians to pursue preventative measures, which may lead to early detection and treatment of the condition. Accuracy of results is crucial.
Who is at an increased risk for hereditary cancer?
If you or your family have a history of any of the following:
- An individual that has more than one cancer
- An individual that has multiple close family members with a cancer diagnosis under the age of fifty
- An individual that has three or more close family members with different types of cancer
- An individual that has had family that has previously had cancer genetic testing and mutations were identified
Some people are genetically more likely to develop certain types of cancers, and cancer genomics helps to uncover these risks. After receiving the patient's DNA sample and carrying out a thorough test, we then compile the results into an in-depth yet easy to understand report detailing all the information you need to know. Using the most advanced sequencing technology on the market, we provide incredibly accurate results which physicians can then use to create a personalized therapy based on your genome.
Why trust RM with your cancer genomics testing?
RM uses the latest Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze patient samples in a rapid and accurate approach. All genetic scientists at RM labs are highly trained and handle testing with the utmost care; our genetic specialists are always available for in-depth consultations. RM's CGx reports are easy to read and provide you with clinically significant data based on the most recent medical innovations.

What is PGx?

PGx is the study of how your genes may affect your body's response to, and interaction with, some prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Genes, which are inherited from your parents, carry information that determines characteristics such as eye color and blood type. Genes can also influence how you process and respond to medications.

Depending on your genetic makeup, some medications may work faster or slower, or produce more or fewer side effects.

Why is PGx important?

The results help tailor your medication based on your genes now and for future prescription needs.

What pharmacogenomic testing does

The purpose of pharmacogenomic testing is to find out if a medication is right for you. A small blood or saliva sample can help determine:

• Whether a medication may be an effective treatment for you
• What the best dose of a medication is for you
• Whether you could have serious side effects from a medication

The laboratory looks for changes or variants in one or more genes that can affect your response to certain medications.

Each person would need to have the same specific pharmacogenomic test only once because your genetic makeup does not change over time. You may need other pharmacogenomic tests if you take another medication, but laboratories can perform multiple tests from a single blood or saliva sample. Each medication is associated with a different pharmacogenomic test. Keep track of all your test results and share them with your doctor.

The need for pharmacogenomic testing is determined on an individual basis. If your pharmacogenomic test results suggest you may not have a good response to a medication, your family members may have a similar response. Mayo Clinic recommends you share this information with your family members. Your doctor can also provide recommendations for family members who may benefit from having testing.

What factors impact response to medications?

PGx testing is one tool your doctor can use to help identify the right drug for you. Many factors impact how a person responds to medication including:

• Genetic factors
• Age
• Sex
• Race/ethnicity
• Illness or organ dysfunction, especially kidney or liver function
• Smoking/alcohol
• Food interactions
• Other medications

When might PGx testing be recommended or considered?

There are different reasons why your doctor might order PGx testing to help guide your current or future medication use, such as:

• To avoid or prevent serious side effects related to certain medications
• To adjust the dose of a current medication or recommend a different medication
• To identify a medication, or dose of a medication, most likely to work for you before you take it

What is a Cardiovascular Panel assessment?

This is a tests to determine health factors that have been proven to indicate your chance of having a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke. It have been refined to indicate the degree of risk: borderline, intermediate, or high risk.

Perhaps the most important indicators for cardiac risk are your personal health history. These include:

• Age
• Family history
• Weight
• Cigarette smoking
• Blood pressure
• Diet
• Exercise, physical activity
• Diabetes
• Pre-existing heart disease, or already having had a heart attack

There are some imaging tests that may be used in cardiac risk assessment. Non-invasive tests may include, for example, an electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) or a stress test, also called ECG stress test or metabolic stress test. Invasive tests may also be used to evaluate for the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but they are usually used for diagnostic purposes in people with signs and symptoms and not for risk assessment. 

What is Diabetic-Obesity Panel?

What is obesity screening?

Obesity is the condition of having too much body fat. It's not just a matter of appearance. Obesity can put you at risk for a variety of chronic and serious health problems. These include:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Arthritis
• Certain types of cancer

Experts say obesity is major problem in the U.S. Today more than 30 percent of U.S. adults and 20 percent of U.S. children have obesity. Children with obesity are at risk for many of the same health problems as adults with obesity.

An obesity screening may use a measurement called a BMI (body mass index) and other tests to find out if you or your child is overweight or has obesity. Being overweight means you have excess body weight. While not as severe as obesity, it may also lead to serious health problems.

What is a BMI?

A BMI (body mass index) is a calculation based on your weight and height. While it's hard to directly measure fat on the body, a BMI can provide a good estimate.

To measure BMI, your health care provider may use an online tool or an equation that uses your weight and height information. You can measure your own BMI in much the same way by using an online BMI calculator.

Your results will fall into one of these categories:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5-24.9: Healthy weight
• 25 -29.9: Overweight
• 30 and above: Obese
• 40 or higher: Severely obese, also known as morbidly obese

BMI is also used to diagnose obesity in children, but it is figured out differently than in adults. Your child's health care provider will calculate BMI based on your child's age, sex, weight, and height. He or she will compare those numbers with the results of other children with similar characteristics.

The results will be in the form of a percentile. A percentile is a type of comparison between an individual and a group. For example, if your child has a BMI in the 50th percentile, it means 50 percent of children of the same age and sex have a lower BMI. Your child's BMI will show one of the following results:

• Less than the 5th percentile: Underweight
• 5th-84th percentile: Normal Weight
• 85th-94th percentile: Overweight
• 95th percentile and higher: Obese

What causes obesity?

Obesity happens when you take in more calories than your body needs over a long period of time. A variety of factors can lead to obesity. For many people, dieting and willpower alone are not enough to control weight. Obesity may be caused by one or more of the following:

• Diet. You are at a higher risk of obesity if your diet includes a lot of fast foods, packaged snacks, and sugary soft drinks.
• Lack of exercise. If you don't get enough physical activity to burn off what you eat, you will likely gain weight.
• Family history. You're more likely to become obese if close family members have obesity.
• Aging. As you get older, your muscle tissue decreases and your metabolism slows down. This can lead to weight gain, and eventually obesity, even if you stayed at a healthy weight when you were younger.
• Pregnancy. It's normal and healthy to gain weight during pregnancy. But if you don't lose the weight after pregnancy, it can cause long-term weight problems.
• Menopause. Many women gain weight after menopause. This may be caused by changes in hormone levels and/or reduction in daily activities.
• Biology. Our bodies have systems that help keep our weight at a healthy level. In some people, this system doesn't work right. This makes it especially hard to lose weight.
• Hormonal disorders. Certain disorders cause your body to make too much or too little of important hormones. This may lead to weight gain, and sometimes obesity.

What is an obesity screening used for?

An obesity screening is used to find out if you or your child is at an unhealthy weight. If the screening shows that you or your child is overweight or has obesity, your provider will check to see if there is medical issue causing the excess weight. Your provider will also teach you about what you can do to reduce your weight and improve your health.

Why do I need obesity screening?

Most adults and children over the age of 6 should be screened at least once a year with a BMI. If your health care provider finds that you have a high or increasing BMI, he or she can recommend steps you can take to help prevent you from becoming overweight or obese.

The Diabetes Panel combines two basic tests to provide a comprehensive assessment of blood sugar levels and may be used to assist in the diagnosis of diabetes or to monitor diabetes treatment. The Diabetes Panel includes the Glucose test and the Hemoglobin A1C with eAG test. 

If you're interested in taking any one of our genetic test please fill out the information below and one of our Community Advocates will contact you.