DNA testing

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What does our nursing community think of DNA testing. There is now, in addition to ancestral information, genetic diseases that can be identified.

Has anyone here had DNA testing done?

Specializes in Pediatric Burn ICU.

I have submitted a dna analysis and didn’t get any surprises. Can’t remember the exact numbers but it as along the lines of 40% British, 24% Native American and 24% from the Iberian peninsula. The rest were all smaller numbers of mainly Western European people’s. It was fun I thought.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.
On 2/6/2019 at 1:16 PM, OldDude said:

As kids, we were always told one side of our family were native american descendants; but as to specifics there was nothing. Just last year my sister submitted a DNA sample to find out...no native American DNA whatsoever...OMG she was mad!! She said it was like finding out you had been adopted and your parents never told you!!?

Pretty much what happened to me. Bonus, I did "meet" a few more family members (some who mentioned the same lack of DNA).

I did ancestry, 23 and me (no genetic health risks - but I think it's a bit limited. Found some other site that I could upload DNA and it would show me "traits". So, I did that for each set of DNA and check back weekly for updates. Kinda fun. I learned recently that I'm genetically predisposed to having a big belly!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I did genetic testing when I was diagnosed with a certain type of cancer that has a genetic component. However, I did it thru the oncologist's office. For me, someone who is adopted, this was very important and also important for my children and grandchildren.

I also did the 23&Me at my husband's request but to be honest, I'm not at all interested in my ancestry.

So, I think genetic testing for specific diseases should be carried out where there is the chance for professional feedback, not just over the internet.

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

I have an adopted relative who found his birth family through DNA testing. He had looked for years using the internet without success, but the DNA testing connected him with a cousin who welcomed him.

I know, it can be a good thing or a bad. In his case, it was very good.

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Specializes in OB.
15 hours ago, Kitiger said:

I have an adopted relative who found his birth family through DNA testing. He had looked for years using the internet without success, but the DNA testing connected him with a cousin who welcomed him.

I know, it can be a good thing or a bad. In his case, it was very good.

From what I understand this is becoming more and more common, which I think is pretty cool too.

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I've done the Ancestry DNA kit for ancestry purposes. Never have done one for health purposes. Thought it was neat seeing what DNA I inherited and what I did not.

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

I heard of 6 siblings with same mother and father, and all 6 had totally different results.

I guess I’m a skeptic.

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51 minutes ago, silverbat said:

I heard of 6 siblings with same mother and father, and all 6 had totally different results.

I guess I’m a skeptic.

"Totally different" in what way? Siblings will have different results, but not totally different. I'm more skeptical of random things I hear.

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.
On 2/11/2019 at 9:35 PM, Sour Lemon said:

"Totally different" in what way? Siblings will have different results, but not totally different. I'm more skeptical of random things I hear.

They were on a talk show and I don’t remember which one. The results were that some sibs had native, European and others were Asian and Western European.

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I recently found out that I have another sister through 23andme. She grew up with no idea who her father was and her mom didn’t know either. I’m really glad she’s found the missing piece and I’m excited to have another sibling.

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Specializes in CMSRN.

I am who I am. I have an idea of my lineage based on family documentation. Not really interested in knowing more.

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.
On 2/27/2019 at 7:11 PM, Cuttykupcake said:

I recently found out that I have another sister through 23andme. She grew up with no idea who her father was and her mom didn’t know either. I’m really glad she’s found the missing piece and I’m excited to have another sibling.

On a tangent, these testing services are uncovering many long hidden secrets. From a Irish POV many people who were adopted / sold by the Irish nuns from Magdalene laundries but were unaware are having their lives turned upside down.

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