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What Do Genetic Tests Really Cost?

Often there are multiple ways to test for a given genetic syndrome or mutation and these different methods can vary in price. The table below is based on a Genetic Health survey of approximately 38 climcal laboratories offering tests for the different genetic syndromes listed on the left The table can give you a sense of the variation in test costs based on both syndrome and type of test.

Costs for Selected Genetic Tests by Disorder and Type of Test
LAB Test	Sequencing	Heteroduplex Analysis	DGGE	ASO	PTT
HNPCC	$500*3000	$260	$250-800	-	••
FAP	$800-1000	-	-	-	$235

You may have other practical questions involving the testing process. One commonly asked question asked is, "How long until I get my results back?" The length of time varies, usually due to the type of test used and the size and number of the genes being screened. There is also a great deal of variability between laboratories. Some have a quicker turn around time while others may wait until they have collected a number of samples before they begin testing a batch. For a thumbnail sketch of the turn around times for different disorders, see the table below

Rangę of Turn Around Time for Genetic Tests