My Screening Journey: Part 2

March 9, 2015
JScreen

by Sierra Weiss

 

A few weeks ago, I decided to be screened using JScreen’s easy to use, at-home saliva test. In the interest of ensuring the healthiest life possible for my future children, I’m taking the plunge and digging deeper into my genetic makeup. JScreen’s comprehensive screening will help me discover whether or not I am a carrier of any genetic disorders that could possibly be passed on to my future children.

Although I am only 18 years old and children are far off in the future for me, I know it’s never too early to learn what’s in store and to plan for a strong, healthy family. Genetic screening empowers me to take full control of my health.

After making my decision to be screened, I went through JScreen’s very simple request form and within days I received my screening kit. In the comfort of my college dorm room, I read through the instructions, collected the required saliva sample and mixed it with the solution provided.

The whole process took me no more than 5 minutes! I capped my sample and sent it off to the testing laboratory. My kit was received by the lab and is now going through the sequencing process; I should have my results in just a few days!

I’m feeling a combination of nervousness and excitement at learning my results. Nervous, because the unknown is always intimidating, but excited because learning about my genetic makeup empowers me to provide my children with with the healthiest future possible — once I decide to have them.

Stay tuned for the final chapter of my experience!

 

Headquartered in Atlanta at Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics, JScreen is a national non-profit offering at-home comprehensive and affordable genetic testing and counseling.

ReproGEN – determines risk for having a child with a genetic disease

CancerGEN – tests for genetic changes that increase risk for many types of cancer

If a person or couples’ risk is elevated, genetic counselors will privately address the results, options and resources to help plan for a healthy future.

JScreen believes that a combination of education, access to state-of-the-art testing technology, and personalized support by qualified medical professionals are key to preventing devastating genetic diseases.