The Pathway Genomics Genetic Health Report currently reports on more than 70 health conditions, including an individual ™s propensity for disease, carrier status, and drug response. For each complex disease reported, customers can access additional information about the condition. For example, information about diabetes informs customers that there are three types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes usually come on suddenly and strong, diagnosis of this health condition is completed by testing the blood for sugar levels, and prognosis for people with type 1 diabetes is that they generally adjust quickly to the time and attention that is needed to monitor blood sugar, treat the disease, and maintain a normal lifestyle.

Genetic testing tells us with great accuracy if an individual has a particular genetic marker, but it does not predict with absolute certainty whether that person will or will not develop that disease, said Linda Wasserman, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Clinical Genetics and head of Pathway's genetic counseling team. This is where the role of genetic counseling comes into play, and it is a critical factor in helping customers understand their genetic results. By providing additional content from experts at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Health Publications on our web site, we can quickly refer our customers to a source of information that is current and accurate.

SOURCE Pathway Genomics