DNA testing is an invaluable tool that helps doctors diagnose genetic and inherited disorders, so they can then determine treat them. Genetic testing has only been available in recent times because of breakthroughs in science and technology. The Human Genome Project has made finding genetic disorders easier and, like any other health test, DNA testing also carries certain risks.
Function
Testing human DNA helps doctors determine whether or not a patient is at risk of inheriting a disease from his family. The data gathered through the testing procedure is analyzed for the potential of genetic mutations that can lead to increased risk of certain diseases. Genetic testing allows for more timely treatment of the disease, which may prolong the lifespan of the patient with an inherited disease.
Types
Newborns and fetuses can be tested for genetic diseases. Newborn babies are routinely tested for genetic diseases such as phenylketonuria, which prevents the babies from being able to metabolize crucial amino acids. Fetuses are also tested for chromosomal abnormalities in order to help parents decide whether or not to abort the fetus if the abnormalities are severe enough. Parents can also be tested to determine whether or not they carry the gene for an inherited disorder, such as hemophilia, in order to calculate the chances of the child of having the genetic disorder.
How it Works
Genetic tests are done with hair, skin and blood samples or on amniotic fluid for fetal testing. The tests detect protein, gene and chromosomal abnormalities. Interpreting the results is rather difficult, even for professionally trained medical personnel. Mutations naturally occur in DNA. In order for doctors to interpret the results, family medical history must be taken into account. Even if test results show a genetic disease, it is impossible for doctors to be able to guess how severe the disease will be.
History
Genetic testing was made possible with the start of the Human Genome Project, which maps where genetic disorders are located on chromosomes. When the entire human genome is mapped, it will help scientists even more in testing for genetic disorders because more about human DNA will be known. The project uses landmarks on each gene that help doctors find the location of the cause of genetic disorders.
Drawbacks
Genetic testing does not have many drawbacks, but there are some considerations to take into account when getting tested. The testing itself does not involve many physical risks, but the results have greater implications. The diagnosis of a genetic disease may cause psychological stress. Also, discrimination in obtaining health insurance is a concern. Health insurance companies may not want to insure an individual with a lifelong genetic condition. While the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act in the United States ensures that people will not be discriminated against, other nations may not protect genetic confidentiality the same way.
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