National Path Lab

Genetic & Hereditary Risk

Genetic and hereditary risk refers to the likelihood of developing — or passing on to children — a condition caused by an inherited genetic variant. Unlike lifestyle-driven risks, genetic risk is rooted in family history and inherited DNA, though this does not mean it is fixed or unmanageable.

This risk category cuts across several areas of health — hereditary cancer predisposition, inherited conditions relevant to reproductive planning, and chromosomal or genetic conditions affecting development. Identifying hereditary risk allows for proactive surveillance, risk-reduction strategies, and informed decision-making, often well before any disease develops.

At National Path Lab (NPL), a range of genetic testing approaches is available, from targeted single-gene testing to comprehensive hereditary panels, supported by genetic counselling.

Tests Available at NPL

CHROMOSOME ANALYSIS (KARYOTYPE), BLOOD

Turn Around Time
SAMPLE DAILY BY 7:00 PM REPORT AFTER 15 DAYS

Rs. 6500

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BRCA 1 & 2 GENE SEQUENCING (GERMLINE)

Turn Around Time
SAMPLE DAILY BY 4:00 PM REPORT AFTER 21 WORKING DAYS

Rs. 32000

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BRCA 1 & 2 SOMATIC GENE SEQUENCING, FFPE TISSUE

Turn Around Time
SAMPLE DAILY BY 4:00 PM, REPORT AFTER 21 WORKING DAYS

Rs. 32000

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About Genetic & Hereditary Risk

Who Is at Risk?

Genetic and hereditary risk assessment is generally considered relevant in the following situations, rather than being driven by lifestyle factors:

Non-Modifiable Factors

Modifiable Factors

  • Multiple family members affected by the same or related conditions across generations

  • While the underlying genetic risk itself cannot be changed, the impact of that risk can often be modified through:

  • A condition diagnosed at an unusually young age within the family

  • Earlier or more frequent screening for related conditions

  • A known familial genetic variant already identified in a relative

  • Preventive medical or surgical options, where clinically appropriate

  • Ethnic or population background associated with higher carrier frequency for specific conditions

  • Informed reproductive planning (carrier screening, PGT, prenatal testing)

  • Consanguinity (blood relationship between parents)

  • Lifestyle modification to reduce risk from modifiable factors that interact with genetic predisposition

Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

  • Personal or family history of cancer diagnosed at a young age

  • Multiple family members affected by the same or related cancer types

  • Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

  • A family history of unexplained developmental or congenital conditions

  • A previous child with a suspected or confirmed genetic condition

  • Unusual or unexplained multisystem illness with a family pattern

Test

Clinical Relevance

Hereditary Cancer Risk Panel

Multi-gene panel including BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, PALB2, PTEN, APC, Lynch syndrome genes, and others.

Genetic Carrier Screening

Identifies carrier status for inherited conditions such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, and spinal muscular atrophy.

Karyotyping

Examines chromosome number and structure, relevant to a range of hereditary and developmental concerns.

Multigene Panels / Exome Sequencing

Broader genetic testing approaches used when the clinical picture involves multiple possible genes or an unclear diagnosis.

Related Packages

NPL VITAL CARE HEALTH CHECKUP PACKAGE

Test Includes
15 Tests

Rs. 6000

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CANCER SCREENING PACKAGE (MALE)

Test Includes
8 Tests

Rs. 5000

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CANCER SCREENING PACKAGE (FEMALE)

Test Includes
8 Tests

Rs. 5500

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CANCER TARGETED GENE PANEL, CNS TUMOR

Test Includes
2 Tests

Rs. 55000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. A positive result generally indicates increased risk, not certainty. Your doctor and a genetic counsellor can discuss what your specific result means and what steps may help manage that risk.
Yes — while the underlying genetic variant cannot be changed, its practical impact often can be, through earlier screening, preventive options, and informed planning.
Generally yes, this is recommended, since first-degree relatives often have a significant chance of carrying the same variant. Genetic counselling can help facilitate this conversation.
No. Hereditary risk spans cancer, reproductive and pregnancy-related conditions, chromosomal disorders, and rare genetic diseases — the appropriate test depends on the specific concern.
It is strongly recommended, both to select the most appropriate test for your situation and to prepare for the range of possible results, including uncertain findings.