Platinum DNA Health Screening

Most of what we know about your health today comes from blood tests, blood pressure readings, and family history. These tell part of the story. But our DNA can help fill in the rest - through our new Platinum DNA Health Screen. Before I explain the test itself, it helps to know there are two different ways of reading your DNA. We call these "Monogenic Testing" and "Polygenic Risk Scoring" - and both are part of this test. "Monogenic Testing" looks at single genes - searching for rare changes that on their own can noticeably raise your chance of a particular condition. Although these changes are uncommon, when someone carries one the effect can be significant. A well-known example is the BRCA1 gene linked to breast cancer. "Polygenic Risk Scoring" works very differently. It adds up the small effects of many genes scattered across your DNA. Each one is barely noticeable on its own, but together they can build a meaningful picture of your overall inherited risk for common conditions like heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. From a single blood sample, your test gives us two pieces of useful information about your future health. The first is your inherited risk profile. Using both testing methods I described earlier; we assess your chance of common cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. The second part is your "Personal Medication Guide". We all process medicines slightly differently, because of the genes we inherit. This part of the test reads 25 genes that control how your body handles 129 commonly prescribed medicines; from statins and antidepressants, to pain relief, and certain cancer treatments. You might wonder why these tests matter. The aim is to uncover the hidden risk that can be missed - for example, research suggests around one in four people who have a heart attack show no obvious warning signs. Their cholesterol may be fine, yet that hidden risk can still be present. The encouraging news is that, even when your inherited risk is high, your everyday choices still matter enormously. Research suggests that healthy lifestyle changes can substantially reduce your lifetime risk of heart disease. Knowing your genetic risk gives you a real chance to act early on it. We run the whole service ourselves, here at the practice. We take a simple blood sample during your Platinum Health Screen appointment, with no special preparation or fasting needed at all. The sample is analysed in an accredited laboratory, and I personally review every result. For most people, the next step is a personal plan that we agree together at the practice. This might include a tailored screening schedule, so the right checks happen at the right time. It also often includes lifestyle advice, and small adjustments to your medicines where these are needed. For a small number of patients, results may suggest a higher chance of cardiovascular disease; diabetes; or cancer. Where appropriate, we arrange specific screening tests, and refer you to the London Genetics Centre for specialist input, staying closely involved with your care throughout. It's important to know that this test does not provide a diagnosis, nor is it a crystal ball. Your usual NHS screening should continue as normal, and the NHS website offers helpful further information. Before you decide, there are a few important things worth thinking through together carefully. Because your DNA does not change, this test is done once and the results last a lifetime. If we find a significant gene change, your blood relatives may also benefit from being tested for it. This DNA test is offered as an add-on to our Platinum Health Screen at a cost of £1,200. This includes the analysis; my personal review; your written report; and our consultation. Please contact the practice for further information, we look forward to helping you build a clearer, more complete picture of your health.