Genetic Testing Disease

Genetic Testing Disease
Genetic testing of a disease is a method of screening the person for possibility of inheritance factors that may point to the fact that an individual is likely to suffer from a disease that may have infected other members of the family. Naturally each and every individual inherits two different genes from each of the parents. In the process of inheriting these genes, a new born may as well inherit some of the hereditary complications that may have been prevalent in any of the parents' lineage. In normal circumstances, a person is screened for the presence of mutant genes which are capable of mutating and developing into the potential disease coursing pathogens.

There are different types of genetic testing that are used to determine different conditions in any individual. Some of the main types of genetic testing are; Newborn screening, diagnostic testing, carrier testing, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and predictive and pre-symptomatic testing. In order to get a clear understanding of the above types of genetic tests, lets have a step by step definition of each an its significance in our lives.

Newborn screening

Newborn screening is a genetic type of test carried out to verify any early traces of gene related complications that may cause health disorders in future. There are certain genetic disorders such as phenylketonuria which if left unattended to results in mental disorders in the victim. This screening has become one of the most common genetic tests carried out especially in the U.S.

Diagnostic testing

This type of genetic screening is used more often in cases where a known genetic disorder has been proved to be present in one of the parents. It is usually carried out with the sole objective of identifying and taking preventive action towards the suspected gene should it be verified to be a potential risk. As much as the genetic disorders may not all be treatable, knowing their existence helps a great deal in helping the individual in managing any problems that may occur as a result of the genetic condition.

Carrier testing

Carrier testing is simply used to identify persons who carry a particular form of mutating gene that could easily result in the occurrence of genetic diseases if coupled with a complementary gene. This testing can go a long way in helping to match couples who have potential risks of producing off springs who may be affected by their genetic condition.

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

Knowing the unborn child's genetic status is of great importance in making important decisions that may save the unborn baby's future possibility of developing genetic based complications. As technological improvements in in-vitro fertilization continue to take effect, the importance of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis cannot be taken for granted. Knowing the possibility of the matched embryos is important if the resulting fetus is to be free of most genetic based complications.