Genetic Testing and Counseling for hATTR Amyloidosis
Why Genetic Testing is Critical
Genetic testing looks for changes, sometimes called variants, in your DNA. Genetic testing is useful in many areas of medicine and can change the medical care you or your family member receives. Early identification for hATTR amyloidosis (PDF) is important because therapy may be most effective when administered before significant disease progression.
Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling gives you information about how genetic conditions might affect you or your family. A genetic counselor will educate you on the process and potential results, as well as the potential risks and uncertainties related to testing. Counseling is also critical after genetic testing so the counselor can explain the results and potential consequences for your health and the health of your family members, including children.
Genetic counselors can also advise and support patients on the best ways to communicate the news of any genetic variants they may discover to other family members. Although privacy laws restrict the ability of health care professionals to disseminate information directly to potentially affected relatives, they can provide written letters that explain the genetic findings, which you can give to your family members.
Who Should Get Tested?
Since immediate family members – first-degree relatives such as fathers, mothers, siblings, or children – might share genetic variants predisposing them to an inherited disease like hATTR amyloidosis, they are considered to be at higher risk for the same conditions. hATTR amyloidosis is autosomal dominant – which means one altered copy of the gene in each cell is sufficient for a person to be affected – so immediate family members of someone diagnosed with hATTR amyloidosis have a 50 percent chance of also inheriting the gene variant that can cause the condition.
Once a genetic variant is identified within a family, all first-degree relatives should consider undergoing genetic testing and counseling for that specific variant whenever possible. Your genetic counselor can work with you through shared decision-making to determine additional family members who may be candidates for genetic testing.
How is the Test Conducted?
Genetic tests are minimally invasive and conducted using a blood, saliva, or cheek swab sample. Results are usually ready in a few weeks.
Where Can I Get Tested?
Genetic testing for rare and undiagnosed conditions should be ordered by a qualified health care professional. Your health care professional can provide information on available genetic testing and counseling services.
How Much Will It Cost?
Many insurance companies including commercial plans, Medicare, and Medicaid will cover genetic testing.
It’s important to talk to your health care team and health insurance company for details. Prior authorizations may also need to be obtained. Your health care professional may be able to provide additional information. As part of your genetics evaluation, the genetic counselor may also be able to help you understand the costs.
What’s Next?
Talk with your medical provider about what to expect after your genetic test and counseling.
Additional Information
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, or GINA, was passed in 2008 to prevent medical insurers from raising your rates or dropping your coverage based on genetic test results. It also prevents people from employment discrimination based on genetic testing.
Download our Answers by Heart Sheet: What is hATTR Amyloidosis? (PDF)
