You can ask your GP to arrange an appointment for you. However not all GPs are aware that testing is now available so you may have to explain the situation. Each Clinic follows an agreed counselling procedure or 'protocol' which is usually spread over at least three sessions, to help you decide. You can withdraw from the procedure at any time. Your affected parent's blood may also be tested to check the original diagnosis of Huntington's disease The DNA which is extracted from the blood is then analysed in a specialised laboratory.
Some people find waiting for the results very stressful.
If you feel there is a particularly long delay, do ask the Genetic Clinic for the reason. Technically, the test can be quite complicated both to perform and interpret. The Clinic will want to allow time to ensure that a result is ready for you and this may be from 4-6 weeks after the third counselling session. In some areas there is a backlog of testing to be done as more families have come forward since the Huntington's disease gene was discovered. In the faulty gene these three chemicals are repeated many times, like a 1molecular stutter'.