A: Blood test attempts to provide a specific answer to whether one has a medical condition or not. Genetic testing is to find out each individual’s inherited predisposition for disease including cancer which is controlled by the individual’s gene composition. This knowledge would allow one to manage his/her wellbeing preventing occurrence of serious sickness, thus achieving a healthy lifestyle and growing old gracefully.

A: A positive genetic test for one or several medical susceptibility (low, intermediate, high risk) means disease prevention & protection is possible by having regular & targeted medical surveillance followed by precise early medical treatment if necessary.

A: Genetic predisposition to a particular illness can be modified by gene expression or environmental factors in late life. Hence, the illness may not develop or may be mild. The main goal from the genetic testing is to know one’s own physical and/or mental weakness so that they can be monitored, supported or prevented with well organised planning and medical supervision.

A: Each individual’s genetic composition is permanent and does not alter with time. Only one analysis is needed in a life time. There is absolutely no necessity to repeat the genetic testing.　However, this does not apply to genetic mutation test performed on cancer patients.

A: In practice, genome information can be used to direct modern technology, nutritional support and life style change (e.g. stop smoking) to reduce chance of or preventing germline illness. It also increases one’s health awareness so that regular medical monitoring or screening would ensure early detection & effective treatment of disease/cancer (e.g. regular mammogram for breast cancer, Pap smear for cervical cancer, HPV vaccine for preventing cancer of the cervix etc). Paediatric genetic testing also gives information on the child’s personality, talent, physique and inherent potential. One can use this information to guide or plan the children’s academic or intellectual development to ensure a successful future.

A: The genetic test can be done by collecting either saliva from the oral cavity or blood sample. The oral route is pain free and would not cause any bleeding. This is the preferred method for children who tend to be afraid of needles.

A: A gene is made up of DNA which directs cellular growth and/or function, thus governs the body & mental composition unique to that individual (for example, height, hair colour or IQ) that can be passed onto the next generation. It also regulates biochemical processes that give rises to and control of specific body function including immunity. At molecular level, the biological and chemical process that supports life relies on protein to carry out. Protein structures and functions vary greatly but their building blocks consist only of amino acid. Gene works by controlling the sequence and combination of the amino acids which in turns codes the action and effect of that particular protein for particular cellular process or manifestation. The DNA sequence is specific to that individual and is transmitted to the offspring via chromosomes. A chromosome consists of a long strand of DNA containing many genes. There are 46 chromosomes (in 23 pairs) in human; one comes from the mother and the other from the father.

A: Any age from 3 months onward can be tested. According to the law, parental consent is required for those testing subjects under 18 years old.

​A: Cancer is formed due to alternation of the cell’s normal DNA which allows it to escape detection and destruction by the normal immune system. In-born DNA error indicates that the person with such mutation has the potential for such tumour formation but not an absolute development. What that test also does not predict is the timing of such tumour transformation or its aggressiveness.

When tumour is formed, it produces tumour protein antigen or DNA fragments after cell death. The detection of these tumour biomarkers is the basis of cancer genetic testing. The knowledge of these tumour DNA mutations helps to select therapy based on the tumour DNA characteristics, treatment monitoring and follow up. Alternatively, one can boost one’s immune system to kill off these mutant cells early on to prevent cancer formation. This is the essence of personalised medicine/treatment that is being carried out in our centre.

A: Yes, all diagnostic examinations require appointment and doctor referral letters. Checkup is an exception. If you have further query, please contact us on (852) 3896-0900.

A: Our centre provides professional genetic advice for you to select the most appropriate tests.

A: First of all, please find out which exam item will be tested and then got to the relevant section on our website, i.e. Heading of scope of services > medical imaging. You can also call our centre on (+852 3896-0900) or via WhatsApp (+852 9853-9050).

A: Most diagnostic x-rays are low-dose radiation with low harm to the body but the information provided is important to make the right diagnosis and treatment.

Reference: http://www.weather.gov.hk/radiation/tidbit/200509/man_made_3c.htm

A: Please bring the previous films and reports of the same part in the most recent period for comparison.

A: Regular mammography and ultrasound can detect non palpable early breast cancer and thus reduce mortality from breast cancer. Women 40 years of age or older should have a mammogram every two years to ensure breast health.

A: Our “Supreme Master Plan” includes suitable tests for menopausal women. You can find relevant information in our website under the Health Plan > and selected Medical Plan on this page.

A: The imaging examination report takes 24 - 48 hours to complete. For genetic testing, it will take 1 – 3 months as it is sent to America or Germany for interpretation.

A: Our centre’s checkup or genetic tests will be explained by our medical or paramedical team. (For privacy reasons, the patient must come to our centre for this service). If the medical examination plan is ordered by your doctor, you must go back to him/her for detail of the report.

A: All test results performed in our centre can be collected in person or authorized person. (The authorized person must obtain a letter of authorization and a copy of the patient’s ID card). As for examinations ordered by your referral doctors, you should collect these reports at your doctor's office.