Lisa - here is the response I got back from a lab on this. I copied and pasted the research (above) and told them we'd like to have a test.
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From: gabi~genedx.com
To: aeroangie~aol.com
Sent: 1/13/2010 10:14:41 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Re: [Suggest a Test] Primary Biliary Cirhosis
You are referring to a recent association study that shows that
individuals with certain sequence variants in these genes have a
slightly higher risk for developing primary biliary cirrhosis. Since
your mother has this disorder, it can be assumed a priori that you
and your siblings have a somewhat greater risk for developing this
disorder since there seems to be a genetic component to this disorder.
Therefore, the information from the paper is not giving you much more
information. Association studies usually identify a relative risk for
a disorder without identifying the specific causes of a disorder. For
instance, your gene sequence for these genes might increase your
relative risk but the presence of other sequence variants in other
genes might reduce your relative risk. Since this type of genetic
studies do not show a direct cause and effect, interpretation of
findings is challenging and hence our laboratory does not engage in
such studies. Sorry that we cannot help you further. However, I would
strongly suggest that you consult with a genetic counselor or
geneticist in your area. They will be able to provide you with much
more specific information based on your family history and available
information.
You can find a genetics clinic here at the "Genetic Clinic Directory"
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/G...ic?db=genetests
With best wishes,
Gabriele
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Gabriele Richard, MD
GeneDx