Everyone who is deciding whether or not to get genetic testing should first ask:

• "Why am I getting tested?"
• "What will this test mean for me?"
• "What are the benefits of testing?"
• "Are there any implications I should consider?"

Pros

Here are just some of the reasons in favor of having genetic testing for inherited blood clotting disorders:

• You have had a blood clot and want to know why.
• You have a family history of blood clots.
• Your family has a known thrombophilia mutation — factor V Leiden or prothrombin — and you want to know your risk.
• You are making decisions about taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
• You are — or are thinking about getting — pregnant.
• You are concerned because you travel long distances frequently.
• You want to want to take charge of decisions about your lifestyle and health.
• You want a quick and accurate diagnosis in the event of a blood clot.
• You just want to know.

Cons

Here are some issues you should consider before having genetic testing for inherited blood clotting disorders:

• You live a healthy lifestyle and the results of genetic testing would not change your current medical care or lifestyle.
• You would feel guilty or angry that you have a genetic risk and are concerned about how you will react to your test results.
• You worry that a positive test result will change your self image or cause your loved ones to treat you differently.
• You are concerned about genetic discrimination when obtaining medical or life insurance or employment.
• You are concerned about the cost of testing and whether your insurance would cover the cost.
• You are concerned that testing may reveal that your biological relationship to family members is not what you thought (non-paternity).