Dangers of genetic testing

Missouri residents may wonder if they should get genetic testing done to find out if they have certain diseases. One problem with genetic testing is that like other diagnoses, it can be inaccurate.

In one case described in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a 13-year-old boy died suddenly from heart failure that was not explained by an autopsy. As a result, over 20 of the boy’s family members had genetic testing done. They were diagnosed with a genetic condition called long QT syndrome, and the boy’s brother had a heart defibrillator placed in his chest.