With health-related genetic tests, results are usually categorized as positive or negative. Positive means a mutation was identified in the genes analyzed, and negative means no mutations were identified in the genes analyzed.

Most people receive negative results. This is because mutations in genes on most health-related genetic tests are rare.

If you have a personal or family history of a particular disorder or condition, like cancer or heart disease, that might increase the chances of testing positive for a genetic mutation. Knowing if there’s a genetic basis for the condition may help you and your doctor create a personalized screening and management plan tailored to your risks.

Even though most people have negative results, we all still have a risk to develop diseases in the future based on non-genetic factors like age, lifestyle, and more.