My Screening Journey: Part 3

April 24, 2015
JScreen

by Sierra Weiss

 

This is the final installment of the three-part series about my genetic screening experience with JScreen.

My name is Sierra and I am a freshman at Emory University. A few weeks ago, I elected to be screened to learn about my genetic makeup. Although I don’t plan to start a family any time soon, I am very interested in genetics and JScreen sparked my desire to learn more about mine.

 

jscreen genetic testing counsyl spit kit

After using JScreen’s effortless genetic screening kit, I sent it to their lab and anxiously awaited my test results. My family has no history of genetic diseases; however, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I am not a carrier. After a very short lapse of time, I received a notification that my results were accessible; I was nervous and very curious about what I would learn. As I prepared to read the results, I reminded myself that if I was a carrier for any of the diseases I was tested for, JScreen staff was readily available with counseling and support. Comforted with this understanding, I read through my results.

I happily discovered that I am not a carrier for any of the 87 genetic diseases that JScreen’s expanded panel tests for. If my results had been different, I know that JScreen would have recommended screening on my future partner, and guided me through potential options to help ensure the healthiest life for my future children.

I hope that following my experience with JScreen has helped you better understand the process and the real ease the kit provides!

 

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.