Most health tests tell you what's happening in your body today.
Genetic testing can help identify inherited health risks that may not show up in routine screenings.
The Marker by Labcorp Genetic Health Panel, available through Labcorp OnDemand, analyzes 163 genes linked to over 100 medically actionable health conditions. It provides a broad view of your inherited health risks, which often can go undetected.
So, what exactly does the test look for?
4 key areas of health
The Marker Genetic Health Panel analyzes 163 genes linked to inherited health risks, including:
1. Certain hereditary cancers
Some cancers can run in families. Inherited genetic variants can increase a person's lifetime risk of developing certain cancers.
The panel looks for variants associated with an increased risk of conditions such as:
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (including BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- Lynch syndrome, which can raise the risk of colorectal and other cancers
- Inherited melanoma risk
- Other rare hereditary cancer syndromes
Learning about an inherited cancer risk may give you and your healthcare provider more opportunities to consider earlier or more frequent screening and other preventive steps.
2. Inherited heart and cardiovascular conditions
Many inherited heart conditions don't cause symptoms right away. In some cases, people may not know they have a condition until a serious health event occurs.
The panel looks for variants linked to conditions such as:
- Inherited forms of cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Aortic conditions that affect major blood vessels
- Familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited form of very high cholesterol
- Certain inherited blood clotting conditions
When these risks are identified early, people can work with their healthcare team to monitor their health and discuss management options.
3. Metabolic and organ-related conditions
Some inherited conditions affect how the body processes nutrients, proteins, metals, or other substances. Over time, these conditions can affect organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, or nervous system.
The panel includes conditions such as:
- Hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload)
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Wilson disease
- Pompe disease
- Fabry disease
- Certain inherited forms of diabetes
Many of these conditions can be managed more effectively when they are identified early.
4. Blood clotting and bleeding disorders
Some people inherit genetic changes that affect how their blood clots.
The panel looks for variants associated with:
- Inherited blood clotting disorders, such as Factor V Leiden
- Hemophilia A and B
- Factor XI deficiency
Knowing these conditions can help inform future healthcare decisions, including surgery planning, pregnancy care, and other medical treatments.
What genetic testing can, and can't, tell you
It's important to understand what the Marker Genetic Health Panel by Labcorp is designed to do.
The test does not diagnose or predict with certainty whether you will develop a disease. A positive result may indicate an increased genetic risk, while a negative result does not eliminate all risk. Your family history, personal health history, lifestyle, and environment also influence your overall health.
The test also does not measure:
- Cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar levels
- Blood pressure
- Lifestyle-related health risks
While the panel covers many important inherited conditions, it does not include every known genetic condition. Genetics research continues to evolve, and new discoveries are being made all the time.
Why knowing sooner can make a difference
Many of the health conditions included in the panel have one thing in common: earlier awareness can lead to earlier action.
For example, someone who learns they have an inherited risk for high cholesterol may be able to work with their healthcare provider to monitor and manage that risk earlier. Someone who learns they carry a hereditary cancer risk may be able to discuss additional screening options.
Genetic testing isn't about predicting your future with certainty.
Instead, it can provide information that helps you make more informed healthcare decisions. Your genes are only one part of your overall health picture. Family history, lifestyle, environment, and other factors also play important roles.
Understanding your results
Genetic results can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why every Marker Genetic Health Panel by Labcorp includes access to a board-certified genetic counselor. Genetic counselors can help explain:
- What your results mean
- What your results don't mean
- Potential next steps for you
- Whether family members may benefit from learning more about their own risk
The goal is to help you better understand your health information and feel confident about what comes next.
The bottom line
The Marker by Labcorp Genetic Health Panel helps you better understand your inherited health risks associated with conditions such as hereditary cancer, heart conditions, metabolic disorders, and blood clotting conditions. While it doesn't diagnose disease, it can provide valuable information about certain health risks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
For many people, knowing more about their genetic health can be an important step toward having informed conversations with their healthcare provider and making proactive decisions about their future health.
