Genome sequencing is a process that involved analysis of whole DNA at a single time which can be done at a range from a specific gene to the entire genome by using high throughput genomic technologies. Several diagnostic genetic tests such as molecular, genetic and biochemical have been introduced. An example of genome sequencing in infants that has been commenced in 2015 is the BabySeq Project in Boston. The objective of this project is to explicate the relationship of genome sequencing and predictable future diseases that may arise during childhood. Researchers will collect a small blood sample from 480 infants which 50% of them are healthy and 50% of the them are sick. Blood sample will be analysed and results will be explained to parents.
…show more content…
However, doubts have been questioned on the viability of genome sequencing and its corresponding ethical issues such as child’s right. Thus, should all newborn human beings have their genome sequenced?
First and unquestionably, genome sequencing has exceptionally high efficiency and acute accuracy in screening genetic related health issues compared to traditional diagnostic tests. These tests have contributed to the healthcare system by uncovering the potential genetic disorders or detecting variants in genes that may develop in future. While in the sphere of expenditure, the cost of genome sequencing has declined over the years which makes it more affordable to healthcare system. Secondly, researchers or doctors are able to utilize the outcomes through an interpretation service; hence, patients can be subjected to personalized medicine. “Personalized medicine is the practice of tailoring pre-symptomatic examinations, diagnosis and treatment to patients’ genetic …show more content…
Experts have enunciated their ethical concerns in term of child’s right. Newborns do not have a decision making right in opting in or out the project. Moreover, researchers or investigators may assign the child in further researches without authorization. In context of ethical issues, information privacy and genome sequencing came to a contradictory situation. This is because patients’ personal medical data are stored in database and can be retrieve by researchers in future. Privacy has always been a sensitive topic as the usage of technology and network increases. According to an issued article from The Star, there were hundreds of privacy breach that go unreported last year. Conventionally, clinical staff members are able to access database which suppose to be protected and confidential. Unfortunately, malpractices of their power result in disclosing patients’ medical records. Majority of hundreds were not revealed because it was mainly internally violations. “Privacy breaches can happen from network vulnerability but also from loose lips.” (Michael Crystal, The Star). As a result of inadequate of a complete legal provisions, security of data is not assured. In addition, expectation of parents on the child may lead to violation of genetic tests. Despite of diseases, genetic tests may also uncover non-medical information such as sporting ability, intelligence or adulthood height. Parenting style
However, doubts have been questioned on the viability of genome sequencing and its corresponding ethical issues such as child’s right. Thus, should all newborn human beings have their genome sequenced?
First and unquestionably, genome sequencing has exceptionally high efficiency and acute accuracy in screening genetic related health issues compared to traditional diagnostic tests. These tests have contributed to the healthcare system by uncovering the potential genetic disorders or detecting variants in genes that may develop in future. While in the sphere of expenditure, the cost of genome sequencing has declined over the years which makes it more affordable to healthcare system. Secondly, researchers or doctors are able to utilize the outcomes through an interpretation service; hence, patients can be subjected to personalized medicine. “Personalized medicine is the practice of tailoring pre-symptomatic examinations, diagnosis and treatment to patients’ genetic …show more content…
Experts have enunciated their ethical concerns in term of child’s right. Newborns do not have a decision making right in opting in or out the project. Moreover, researchers or investigators may assign the child in further researches without authorization. In context of ethical issues, information privacy and genome sequencing came to a contradictory situation. This is because patients’ personal medical data are stored in database and can be retrieve by researchers in future. Privacy has always been a sensitive topic as the usage of technology and network increases. According to an issued article from The Star, there were hundreds of privacy breach that go unreported last year. Conventionally, clinical staff members are able to access database which suppose to be protected and confidential. Unfortunately, malpractices of their power result in disclosing patients’ medical records. Majority of hundreds were not revealed because it was mainly internally violations. “Privacy breaches can happen from network vulnerability but also from loose lips.” (Michael Crystal, The Star). As a result of inadequate of a complete legal provisions, security of data is not assured. In addition, expectation of parents on the child may lead to violation of genetic tests. Despite of diseases, genetic tests may also uncover non-medical information such as sporting ability, intelligence or adulthood height. Parenting style