Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about genetic prevention
We are happy to answer all your questions about our genetic prevention offers. We have compiled and answered frequently asked questions for you here. If you have any further questions about our genetic prevention services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help!
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Genetic Prevention
Before Choosing a Test
Preventive diagnostics is for individuals who want to personalize their preventive healthcare. The analyzed diseases don’t need to have already occurred in your family. On the contrary, a different type of analysis may be more suitable if you already have a family history of a certain disease. We will be happy to advise you on this.
This test is a predictive genetic analysis, which means that healthy individuals are tested for diseases that may occur in the future. For this reason, comprehensive counseling with a specialist in human genetics and a declaration of consent after the consultation, if necessary after a reflection period, are absolute prerequisites. We offer genetic counseling. Our specialist in human genetics will provide you with all the relevant information you need to make a decision about genetic testing.
Genetic counseling is a detailed consultation session with a specialist in human genetics in which all your questions about genetics are discussed. Based on a structured family history with a pedigree of up to three generations, we can address your situation and point out possible analysis options. You then decide whether and to what extent you would like to order a genetic diagnostic test.
We can offer the consultation either in person on-site or in a video consultation. If your doctor already has the necessary qualifications, they are welcome to advise you and order the diagnostics from us.
If you cannot come to Tübingen, we gladly send you a sample collection kit. You can use this kit to have your sample taken by a local doctor (e.g., a family doctor) and then send it back to us.
When analyzing biomarkers in the blood, e.g., cholesterol or tumor markers, a disease state’s impacts are measured. The disease may have already occurred at this point.
With predictive diagnostics, we start much earlier: we examine healthy people. We determine whether and in which areas there is an increased risk of illness and, if possible, provide recommendations for further courses of action.
Preventive genetic diagnostics is not covered by public health insurance. In the case of private health insurance, coverage depends on the type of insurance. You are welcome to clarify this with your insurance company in advance (you will receive a cost estimate from us for this purpose). If a medical indication for testing is identified during genetic counseling, genetic testing for a specific issue might be covered by health insurance.
Sample & Analysis
We need a blood sample from the person seeking advice for the test.
On request, we can send you a sample collection kit. You can use this kit to have your blood sample taken by your family doctor and then send it back to us.
The sample is sent to:
CeGaT GmbH
Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 23
72076 Tübingen
Deutschland
It is processed in our own laboratory. Following the laboratory process, we prepare a medical report.
Are you insured in Germany? Our colleagues at the Zentrum für Humangenetik Tübingen will gladly support you!
The samples for the Prevention Panel are analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). We analyze the entire exome. In simple terms, this includes all genes in your genetic constitution. More precisely, all known areas in your genetic constitution that are potentially disease-causing are analyzed.
It is therefore a very comprehensive genetic test.
As part of the Prevention Panel, we examine all prevention-relevant genes that can increase the risk of cancer. In genetics, this is generally independent of the type of tumor. For example, variants in the BRCA1/2 genes are considered to be factors for an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. However, changes in these genes also occur in patients with prostate cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, and many other tumors. The genes included in our Prevention Panel are for example associated with tumors of the digestive tract (various forms of colon cancer, stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer), breast cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, thyroid tumors, and endocrine tumors.
Result & Consultation
Preventive genetic diagnostics is always accompanied by genetic counseling with a medical specialist in this field. All questions are clarified before the analysis, and the appropriate test is discussed. After the analysis, we explain the results and recommendations. This means that you are guided through the entire process and have a contact person at your side for any questions about your results.
If your doctor is already qualified in genetic counseling, you can also seek her or his advice. Your doctor can then order the diagnostics from us. If this is not the case, feel free to contact us so that one of our medical specialists can advise you.
You will receive the results and your report during the genetic counseling session. Here, you will also be able to discuss your results and ask any questions you may have. You can then share this report with other doctors at any time. We only send the results to the person seeking advice themselves.
All results are based on the current state of research. Our scientists conduct detailed research into the variants found. These scientific sources are named in your report, allowing you and your doctors to understand what our recommendations are based on.
Storage and Data Protection
You can decide for yourself if your sample and data should be destroyed after the analysis or if we should keep them, for example, for additional tests for a longer period (normally ten years). A respective declaration of consent is included in our consent form, which you fill out together with a medical specialist before an analysis can take place.
Contact Us
Do you have a question, or are you interested in our service?
Diagnostic Support
We will assist you in selecting the diagnostic strategy – whether as a person seeking advice or as a physician.
