Huntington Disease Specialty Services At Kaiser Permanente, both
symptomatic (diagnostic) and pre-symptomatic (predictive)
testing for HD is available. Diagnostic genetic testing is
performed to confirm a clinical diagnosis of HD in individuals
showing signs and symptoms of HD. This type of testing is
usually ordered by a neurologist. Predictive testing is
performed when there is a family history of HD, but the person
having testing does not have any symptoms of the condition.
Predictive genetic testing is only available through the
Genetics department and involves a series of in-person
appointments to address the sensitive issues around this type of
genetic testing. The KP Huntington Disease Predictive Testing
Program has been offered at KP San Jose since 1989. The majority
of KP members seeking pre-symptomatic genetic testing for HD are
seen here. In 2003, KP Sacramento also began offering pre-
symptomatic testing. A genetic counselor is available by phone
at both of these medical centers to answer general q