Genetic testing examines genetic materials to find gene mutations. The different types of genetic tests include direct examinations of DNA molecules, biochemical tests of enzymes, proteins and chromosomes, and an examination of blood and tissue. The Human Genome Project Information website says genetic testing is used to see if you carry genetic disorders, for prenatal and newborn screening, as pre-symptomatic testing for cancer, Alzheimer's and other diseases, diagnostic confirmation and forensic identification. Examine the pros and cons of genetic testing before considering having it done.
Preventative Measure
Genetic test serve a predictors of your chances of developing genetic conditions. You may succumb to certain disease, but the result of the tests helps you choose a course of action to decrease your risks. For example, women with family histories for breast and ovarian cancers take genetic tests to see if they are carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Use test results to prompt you to visit doctors for regular health screening. If genetic tests reveal that you are susceptible to heart disease or diabetes, make necessary changes to your lifestyle to decrease health risks.
Pregnancy
Obstetricians recommend amniocentesis genetic testing for pregnant women older than 34 to see if their unborn child has conditions such as Down's syndrome. The test helps new parents make decisions about the birth of their new child and prepare for a life that might be filled with the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Parent can do research on these genetic condition and form a support group of people who will help them with the transition.
False Security
Normal genetic test results do not mean you will not get certain conditions. These tests only look at DNA; they don't consider environmental factors such as diet, exercise, weight, pollutants and lifestyle. Normal test result might lull you into a false sense of security if the tests indicate that you are not genetically predisposed to diabetes and heart disease.
Unnecessary Procedures
Negative test results might decrease your quality of life. Test results that indicate you are a genetic carrier of certain disease preconditions might prompt you to not have children for fear of passing on a disease. You might decide to abort a pregnancy because of not wanting to bring an unhealthy child into the world. Kid's Health website says amniocentesis don't give a full picture of the severity of your baby's health conditions or compensate for environmental factors. Adult genetic tests also have limitations. Women undergo unnecessary hysterectomies or mastectomies because of genetic test results.
Cost and Ethical Issue
Genetic testing is expensive, costing more than $1,000 for some of these procedures. Insurance companies don't cover most of these tests, especially if you do them without the recommendation of your doctor. Researchers debate the ethics behind genetic testing and the validity of these tests because of the margin of error associated with them.
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