Risk and uncertainty

It is important to note that having a genetic variant does not necessarily mean that you have a medical condition, or that you will definitely develop one. A variant may mean that you are at increased risk of developing a condition.

There are ways to manage an increased risk, such as screening tests to look for early signs of the condition. When a condition is picked up early, the outcomes can be better. In some cases, the chances of developing the condition can also be reduced.

Confirming your results

When a genetic variant is found as part of a research study, it is important to do another test to confirm the result. Health care teams will arrange another test for you. This can be a stressful time due to the sense of uncertainty. However, this process helps to make sure that the information is accurate before you and your doctors take any action.