Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Microcytic Anemia
Smaller red cells and less hemoglobin bring fatigue and breathlessness; a CBC, iron studies and electrophoresis sort iron deficiency from HBB or HBA thalassemia.
Brandon Colby, MD
MD · MBA
Physician specializing in genetic analysis and personalized preventive medicine, and author of Outsmart Your Genes.
About Brandon
Brandon Colby is a physician-expert in the fields of genetic analysis and Personalized Preventive Medicine. He holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Genetics from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Colby is the author of the book Outsmart Your Genes and has developed numerous technologies that improve the analysis, interpretation, and actionability of genome sequencing data. He is an Affiliate Specialist of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), an Associate of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
Education
- BA in Genetics with Honors, University of Michigan · 2000
- MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine · 2004
- MBA, Stanford University Graduate School of Business · 2007
Affiliations & Memberships
- Affiliate Specialist, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
- Associate, American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)
- Member, National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
Articles by Brandon Colby, MD are reviewed for accuracy by Sequencing's medical and scientific team. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Articles by Brandon
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy
Brain and muscle suffer when mitochondria malfunction, and diagnosis combines lactate and pyruvate levels, MRI and muscle biopsy with analysis of mtDNA or nuclear DNA.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Mosaic Variegated Aneuploidy Syndrome
Understanding Mosaic Variegated Aneuploidy Syndrome, its diagnosis, and genetic testing. Learn how to identify mutations, guide treatment, and inform family planning.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1
Deficiency of alpha-L-iduronidase lets GAGs accumulate, producing coarse features, joint stiffness and heart valve problems across Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie.
Understanding Myeloproliferative Disorders: Diagnosis and Genetic Testing
Polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis and CML start in the bone marrow; blood counts, biopsy and mutation testing tell them apart.
Understanding Myopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Sideroblastic Anemia: The Role of Genetic Testing
Ringed sideroblasts in the marrow, lactic acid buildup and muscle weakness make up the MLASA triad, a recessive mitochondrial disorder tied to PUS1 and YARS2.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Myopia
Nearsightedness develops when the eyeball is too long or the cornea too curved; eye exams, refraction tests and genetic risk information all shape how it is managed.
Understanding Neoplasm of the Parathyroid Gland: Diagnosis and Genetic Testing
Too much parathyroid hormone raises blood calcium, bringing fatigue, kidney stones and bone pain; ultrasound, sestamibi scans and MEN1 testing guide the workup.