Picture Genetics sponsored this blog post. All opinions are my own
I can’t believe how fast DJ is growing. This time last year he was in my arms and barely 2 months old and now he’s walking, running, so full of personality, getting into everything and trying to keep up with his big sister.
We recently had the opportunity to experience Picture Genetics Newborn test kit for DJ and in this blog post I’ll be sharing about our experience and the results. This test examines 225 genes that are associated with over 200 rare conditions that could be missed by a standard newborn screening. You receive a clear and concise report of your results from experts that analyze DNA for rare diseases.
What Is Picture Genetics?
Picture Genetics is a genetic testing brand that offers medical grade testing kits that you can order and complete from the comfort of your home. They believe that consumers should have access to genetic results so that you can get ahead of health risks and make better decisions about your health.
Their lab is clinically certified and used by physicians around the world and the results that you receive are not only medical quality but they also meet the highest standards for genetic testing accuracy.
When the opportunity arose for us to experience the Picture Genetics test for DJ (Picture Newborn Kit), I talked to my husband about it and while he was comfortable with it, I was hesitant. I was intrigued by the test but not so much about the possible results. What if the results came back and they showed positive for DJ being at risk of a condition? I wanted to know but I didn’t want to know. After talking to my husband and hearing his point of view on why we should do the genetic testing on DJ my mind was put at ease. He wanted to do the genetic test to give us peace of mind and also know what our son would possibly be dealing with in the future and it would give us the opportunity to better prepared and not be caught off guard.
Using The Picture Genetics Test Kit
We received our Newborn Kit in the mail and the instructions were so easy to follow. You activate your kit online, collect a cheek swab from your little one using the Cheek Swab DNA Kit included in the box, place the DNA sample into the specimen bag provided, seal the box your kit came in and mail it back to them with the prepaid shipping label that was included in your kit.
I really liked that Picture Genetics emailed me once they received our kit and I was able to check the progress online of the analysis anytime I wanted to. Within a few weeks I received an email that the analysis of DJ’s DNA sample was complete and his Genetic Profile report was ready.
DJ’s Picture Genetics Results
When I received the email that DJ’s results were ready, I was nervous because I honestly didn’t know what to expect from the results. I downloaded the pdf of his results and as soon as I saw that it stated his profile does not show a risk for the conditions they tested for I had a huge sigh of relief.
Understanding your picture genetics results
Included with each test is a genetic counseling session to help you understand your results. Once you receive your results, you can schedule with a professionally certified genetic counselor to discuss the results by phone or video chat. These counselors are experts are explaining test results and what they can mean for you and your family.
For the Newborn Test, if your child receives a positive result, you’ll be connected to a genetic counselor right away and your pediatrician will be contacted about the results. If you ever have any questions, even if the results are negative, you can still schedule genetic counseling.
Whether you have kids or are planning to have kids, Picture Genetics Tests can help you to identify risk for conditions so that you can be proactive about your health and the health of your family.
To be honest, I didn’t even know genetic testing was possible in such an easy and convenient way from the comfort of your own home. Such good news about the results for DJ. How fabulous is it that this service is now in reach for all parents to help plan the best health outcomes for their young one(s). So pleased I came across this post.
I hadn’t heard about this before. What a great way to ease your mind about things or catch any potential genetic disorders early on to be able to help your child.
We didn’t do any of the genetic testing with either of our kids but if I would’ve known I could do it from home, I probably would have.
Never heard about it but very interesting to know. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
This is really informative because I didnt know anything about genetic testing. You have explained everything really well.
Oh! It’s nice to know of a product that exists like this. Many times, we think this kind of testing can only be done at the hospital but yes, thanks to technology, we can do the swabbing ourselves! Kudos!
This is such an interesting idea. We are really into preventative care, and this seems like a great way to catch something before it becomes an identifyable problem.
I am glad that this service or testing is already available and can do in the comfort of your home. Thanks for the info.
This would give you a sense of serenity knowing what your child has and doesn’t. I might recommend this to my neighbor, she’s expecting her second.
This is cool and new to me. It makes the testing as easy as this. And they have easy instructions to follow.
I learned so much about genetic testing by reading this! Thank you for sharing this information.
It’s pretty amazing to think of what can be tested from home. It’s certainly quite a change from just a few years ago.
So glad the results came back like they did. This would be interesting and helpful for all of us to do.
Wow.. It is so amazing how technology rapidly evolves.. This is a very innovative one and its capability to detect any rare diseases will surely eliminate every parent’s worries. All parents wants their kids to grow healthy and will not encounter any illness along the way.. This is brilliant. I wonder if this is already available in all countries worldwide
What a neat kit. How interesting to learn some more about it. I would definitely be interested in doing the kit.
Wow! I didn’t know you could do it like this. This is amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience.
If I got my own kid, I would definitely grab this genetic testing to know my child’s full health situation, and plan ahead. Technology is helping our life and future to be safe and healthy.
wow! such a useful and informative test..thanks for sharing this with us..
Wow. I learned a lot from this. Genetic Testing is indeed important in order to get an idea of how kids (bec they seem to grow up fast like you said) health outlook would be like in years to come. Thanks for sharing.
This is so neat! I’d love to do genetic testing or see m daughter and I’s heritage.