Genetic Predispositions

Advances in understanding the causes of genetic diseases ushered in the need to diagnose and treat these diseases in order to benefit the population affected. In order to identify these genetic predispositions, genetic tests have to be done through laboratory methods. There are currently seven methods of genetic testing: diagnostic testing, predictive and pre-symptomatic genetic tests, carrier testing, prenatal testing, newborn screening, pharmacogenomic testing, and research genetic testing. Diagnostic testing involves methods that are used to identify the disease that is affecting a person. This form of testing is usually used to confirm a disease when symptoms relating to the diseases are detected. The diagnostic test can be performed in-vitro …show more content…
These tests are a preventative method of detection that can minimize the effects of a disease by using the results to effectively prepare for it in advance. Carrier testing is used to detect if a person is carrying a gene for a disease that can be passed on to offspring. People who are carriers for a diseases have a gene that, when paired with another gene that is provided by another person, will develop into a genetic disorder. This test is usually preformed on candidates that show a history of a certain disease or belong in a group that has a high risk for carrying the genetic mutation that will cause the disorder. The results of this test will show if a couple that falls in the pool of candidates will have offspring with this genetic disease. Prenatal testing is performed on a fetus in-vitro to inspect its genome to see if it is predisposed to have a genetic disease or to detect mutations in its genome. This test can assist expectant parents in making informed decisions concerning their pregnancy or develop a plan of treatment for when the fetus is …show more content…
Through this testing, physicians can predict the reaction that a patient will have on a medication and formulate the best treatment plan. Research genetic testing studies the interactions of genes with diseases. These tests assist in the understudying of the body, its health, and diseases.This test differs from clinical testing in that the results are used for research purposes. These results can be used towards finding new genes, observing how genes work, developing other genetic tests, and advancing the scientific community’s understanding of genetics. Research genetic testing has been famously used for the Human Genome Project where scientific researchers teamed together to map the human genome.Preimplantation testing, or preimplantation genetic diagnosis, is used to detect genetic or chromosomal mutations in embryos that are to be implanted during in vitro fertilization. In vitro fertilization is the process of fertilizing an ovum with a sperm outside the body with the purpose of being implanted into the womb of the same or another woman. This method of conception is used in couples that are having difficulties conceiving through natural