How are your genes?

Doctors may also be able to use the same test to find out how individual patients will respond to specific medicines and tailor their treatment accordingly.

Such possibilities are down to advances in gene research.

Thousands of scientists around the world have immersed themselves in studies aimed at identifying genes that cause disease. They are making steady progress.

Some of their findings are already being put into practice in the NHS.

Almost every major hospital in the UK now has a specialist genetics clinic. They can carry out tests to see if patients have an increased risk of conditions like cystic fibrosis and some breast cancers.

At the moment, the science is benefiting a relatively small number of people. However, that is set to change.

NHS plans

Last year, the government published a genetics white paper outlining what steps it intends to take to ensure the NHS is at the forefront of gene-based medicine.

It predicted that gene-based drugs - so-called pharmacogenetics - would be available within five years.

Variations in our genes mean that patients can respond differently to drugs. A genetic test could enable doctors to predict how they will respond and ensure they get the right medicine and right dosage first time around.

Genetics has been oversold Helen Wallace, Genewatch UK

In the longer term, tests may also be available for a wider range of diseases.

GPs may be able to identify those with an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease and advise patients on how to reduce their chances of becoming ill.

"You may be able to have a blood test as an adult which can determine if you are more likely than someone else to develop high blood pressure," says Peter Farndon, professor of medical genetics at Birmingham University.

"You could then start treatment to reduce that risk. If you already have high blood pressure, the test may be able to tell us what drugs should be used to treat it.

"If you have asthma, it may be possible to identify the genes involved and target them with a particular combination of drugs."

The government is determined that the NHS will be in a position to implement the science as soon as it becomes available.

Earlier this month, it announced plans to start training GPs in genetics.

"We want to create genetic champions, who will go out and spread the word among other GPs," says Professor Farndon, who is also director of the new NHS Genetics Education and Development Centre.

Preparing GPs

But the programme also aims to prepare GPs for the day when they will be offering gene-based medicine to patients.

"Increasingly, genetics plays an important role in diagnosing and treating common killers such as heart disease and cancer," says Health Minister Lord Warner.

There is no guarantee science will deliver

"Training GPs to develop expertise in genetics will mean that the NHS is more responsive to patients' needs and that patients with concerns about genetic disease can access the best advice and information at their local GP's surgery."

Not everyone agrees, however.

"There aren't really any tests suitable for GPs to use yet," says Helen Wallace, deputy director of Genewatch UK.

"We think it would be better to train GPs so they know when to refer patients to genetic clinics in hospitals.

"The main problem is genetics has been oversold in terms of common diseases.

"It is important to remember that lifestyle and environmental factors are still the most important factor for most people."

Certainly, there is no guarantee that people's expectations will be met.

"There is a possibility that the science may not deliver," says Professor Farndon.

"But what we have now is, for the first time in the history of the NHS, a period in which we can plan."