Benefits and Risks of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing or DNA testing are a series of tests that are performed in a laboratory to determine if you are at risk for a variety of diseases. Genetic testing is becoming increasingly popular for individuals with a family history of diseases or chronic illness. The tests identify problem genes that may or may not correlate with an increased risk of disease or illness.

What is genetic testing?

According to genome.gov, genetic testing looks for alterations in a person's genes or changes of key proteins coded for specific genes. Tests that have abnormal results can indicate a future problem or disease. There are three types of genetic tests, which include gene tests, chromosomal tests and biochemical tests. Gene tests look at the RNA, chromosomal tests look at chromosomes, and biochemical tests look at protein levels. Each tests looks for different disease or conditions on various levels of an individual's genetic code.

Who gets genetic testing and why?

Genetic testing is commonly done by people with family history of serious illness, and for couples wishing to have children. The reason for couples to get genetic testing done is so that they can determine if their children will be the recipient of problem genes. For instance if the patient has Huntington's disease they will want to see the likelihood of passing those genes on to their children. Genetic testing can help treat and prevent diseases before they occur.

Insurance problems

Genetic testing is common on newborn babies and fetuses. The tests determine if they are at risk or will develop a serious genetic related disease during their lifetime. According to lbl.gov, genetic testing on babies and fetuses can result in the patient becoming uninsurable. Having your young child uninsurable is a huge risk, especially if they contract a serious genetic disease.

What tests are common for a fetus?

Genetic testing for fetuses are becoming popular for determining if the child will be born with Down syndrome or another serious disease. According to lbl.gov, Down syndrome is the most common disease tested for with genetic testing.

What are common tests for adults with a family history of genetically transferable diseases?

Cancer, heart disease, Phenylketonuria, Huntington's disease and congenital hypothyroidism are all common diseases tested for by genetic testing, states lbl.gov. Cancer, heart disease and Huntington's disease are all late-onset disorders that can be better treated if diagnosed early with genetic testing.

Sources:

http://www.genome.gov/19516567

http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/genetic-testing.html