Health / Medical Topics

    Genetic Testing

    Pronunciation

    Definition 1

    Analyzing DNA to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder. (NCI Dictionary)

    Definition 2

    The process of isolating and testing the DNA of an embryo or a person to detect the presence of genetic alterations or defects that may predispose to the future development of a disease or disorder. (NCI Thesaurus)

    More information

    Genetic tests are tests on blood and other tissue to find genetic disorders. Over 2000 tests are available. Doctors use genetic tests for several reasons. These include

    Finding genetic diseases in unborn babies
    • Finding out if people carry a gene for a disease and might pass it on to their children
    Screening embryos for disease
    • Testing for genetic diseases in adults before they cause symptoms
    • Making a diagnosis in a person who has disease symptoms
    • Figuring out the type or dose of a medicine that is best for a certain person

    People have many different reasons for being tested or not being tested. For some, it is important to know whether a disease can be prevented or treated if a test is positive. In some cases, there is no treatment. But test results might help a person make life decisions, such as family planning or insurance coverage. A genetic counselor can provide information about the pros and cons of testing. (NIH: National Human Genome Research Institute)




    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Chromosomal, biochemical, intracellular, and other methods used in the study of genetics, including RNA and DNA chemistry.
    An inherited increase in the risk of developing a disease. Also called genetic predisposition.
    An examination of genetic material for the presence or absence of cytogenetic or molecular genetic abnormalities.
    the state of a person's genome at a given time.
    Testing to determine if there is a predisposition or indication of a possible genetic or a chromosomal abnormality.
    Risk of developing a disease based on a patients heredity

    © 1991-2023 The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin | Titi Tudorancea® is a Registered Trademark | Terms of use and privacy policy
    Contact