Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test

BRCA (Breast Cancer) Gene Test

Risks

There is very little chance of a problem from having blood sample taken from a vein.

• You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.
• In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. To treat this, you can use a warm compress several times a day.
• Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. ASA, warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines can make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, tell your doctor before your blood sample is taken.

Some women may be worried about the test results and how it will affect their lives, their work, and their health, life, or disability insurance.

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Author:	Alison Allen Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: October 31, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
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