I am sorry for your bad experience in your Parkin gene test. The humor and sarcasm were hard to miss. Please consider the following points:
- The lab I listed in my previous post is the only lab that will perform a genetic test for Parkin gene mutations. This would explain the high price for the test.
- Your doctor would not have recommended the test if he did not feel your family history increased your chance for having a mutation.
- The test results are revealed to you and your doctor alone. The results of the test can enable you to make more educated choices about your treatment decisions.
- Choosing to have your genetic test done as part of a research project will not reveal your results to you.
My experience was much more professional than your. I contacted the Lab and downloaded the sheet which explained, in detail, what the test involved, what the procedure entailed, and the cost. I presented this to my Insurance company before having the test to ensure no problems in coverage. The sheet I downloaded also required my doctor's signature before I could have the test.
My bloodtest was performed at my primary care clinic on the day stated on the form and sent to the lab via my clinic lab according to the directions on the form I downloaded.
A week later I received an eight page letter explaining the results, as well as my clinic providing me one on one genetic counseling as to what the results would mean for the rest of my family.
Again, I am sorry for your bad experience. The knowledge of what my genetics are has helped me to make better decisions regarding my treatment.
Your post, as entertaining as it is, makes me sad to think that many who read it may decide not to have a genetic test which could be helpful to them out of fear that your one experience is the treatment all can expect by professional labs.