Question

Is there a difference in taking a family medical history and asking for the results of genetic tests? If no, why not? If yes, what's the difference?

Answer 1

Yes.

Asking for results of a genetic testing is a tool used to identify or rule out specific genetic or chromosomal conditions or it is a part of family medical history.

Family medical history is comprehensive and the purpose of family medical history is to obtain data about immediate blood relatives. Families have many factors in common, including their genes, environment, and lifestyle. These factors can give information about medical conditions that may present in a family (complete information about three generation). The objectives of collecting family medical history are to determine whether the client is at risk for illness of a gentical or familial nature and to identify areas of health promotion and illness prevention. A family medical history can identify people with a high risk of having non communicable diseases , such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, hemophilia, and sicklecell anemia. Family medical history also provides information about family structure, interaction and function that be useful in planning care. For example a cohesive , supportive family can help the client adjust to an illness or disability and should be incorporated into the plan of care. On the other hand , if the clients family is not supportive it may be better to not involve them in cate. Stressful family relationships can be a significant barrier when a nurse tries to help clients with problems involving loss, self concept, spiritual health and personal relationships.It is helpful in identifying carriers of a particular disease also.

On the other hand genetic testing finds changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins and used as a screening tool and aid in appropriate preventive strategy. Genetic testing can provide a diagnostic information or about the risk of a genetic conditiion. It gives valuable clues about the chance of developing a particular hereditary disease to a person or the chance of transferring a hereditary disease to the next generations.