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Genetic testing examines an individual’s DNA for susceptibility to diseases or inherited traits. Prenatal testing is common for chromosomal disorders, while newborn screening identifies conditions that can be dangerous if left untreated. Carrier testing is common for adults with a family history of genetic disorders. Preimplantation testing allows parents to control the genetic makeup of their fetus. Genetic testing can be expensive but not always invasive.
Genetic testing is a scientific process that allows an individual to determine whether they are susceptible to particular types of diseases or are likely to pass on an inherited disease or trait. Genetic testing works by studying an individual’s DNA; some chromosomes can reveal important information about health and disease. The process is voluntary and can be used for a number of different purposes.
A fairly common type of genetic testing is prenatal testing, in which a doctor will examine a fetus to see if it has a genetic or chromosomal disorder, such as Down syndrome. Prenatal testing is common in mothers over 35, who are at increased risk of giving birth to children with mental disabilities. In some cases, the negative results of genetic tests carried out on the fetus will influence the parents to terminate the pregnancy.
Another form of genetic testing is common in newborns. Newborn screening can identify conditions that can affect young children, many of which can be dangerous if left untreated. Throughout the United States, there are several genetic screening tests that must be performed on every newborn.
For adults, one of the most common types of testing is the carrier test, in which tests reveal whether a genetic disorder will occur. For some diseases, such as Huntington’s disease, a test can show with absolute certainty whether or not the individual will get it. These tests are commonly done on people who have a family history of a particular genetic disease or disorder.
In one type of genetic testing, preimplantation testing, parents can take control over the genetic make-up of the fetus. In this process, several embryos are implanted through in vitro fertilization. After the eggs have begun to develop, a doctor can sample their genetic material to determine which ones are susceptible to specific genetic problems or diseases. Only the embryo or embryos without the genetic condition will then be implanted into the mother’s uterus.
Genetic testing can be a fairly expensive procedure, although some forms are not terribly expensive. In general, most tests range in price from $100 to $2,000 US dollars. Some procedures are very easy to perform, where the patient simply provides a sample of hair, blood, skin, or other body tissue. Newborn screening is done by taking a small blood sample from the baby. Typically, the test is not a particularly invasive or painful procedure.
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