Editing Genetic testing (section)

==Medical procedure==
Genetic testing is often done as part of a genetic consultation and as of mid-2008 there were more than 1,200 clinically applicable genetic tests available.<ref name=A-Hawkins2008>{{Cite news | vauthors = Allingham-Hawkins D |date= August 2008 |access-date= 23 September 2008 |title=Successful Genetic Tests Are Predicated on Clinical Utility |periodical=Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News |publisher=Mary Ann Liebert |volume=28 |issue=14 |pages=6, 9 |url=http://www.genengnews.com/articles/chitem.aspx?aid=2544 |issn=1935-472X}}</ref> Once a person decides to proceed with genetic testing, a medical geneticist, genetic counselor, primary care doctor, or specialist can order the test after obtaining [[informed consent]].{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

Genetic tests are performed on a sample of [[blood]], [[hair]], [[skin]], [[amniotic fluid]] (the fluid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy), or other tissue. For example, a [[medical procedure]] called a [[buccal smear]] uses a small brush or cotton swab to collect a sample of cells from the inside surface of the cheek. Alternatively, a small amount of saline [[mouthwash]] may be swished in the mouth to collect the cells. The sample is sent to a laboratory where technicians look for specific changes in chromosomes, DNA, or proteins, depending on the suspected disorders, often using [[DNA sequencing]]. The laboratory reports the test results in writing to a person's doctor or genetic counselor.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

Routine [[newborn]] screening tests are done on a small blood sample obtained by pricking the baby's heel with a [[Blood lancet|lancet]].