Genetic testing is a powerful tool used to identify changes in DNA that can lead to medical conditions. It can provide a diagnosis of a genetic condition, such as the fragile X chromosome, or information about the risk of developing cancer. There are many different types of genetic testing, and results are usually ready within a few weeks. Genetic counseling before and after genetic testing can help ensure that you are the right person in your family to have a genetic test, that you are doing the right genetic test, and that you understand the results. It's important to note that there is no single genetic test that can detect all genetic conditions.
The approach to genetic testing is individualized based on your medical and family history and the condition you are being tested for. Genetic testing looks for changes in a person's genes that can cause genetic diseases (also called genetic disorders) or increase their chance of having certain medical problems (such as some types of cancer). Some genetic diseases can be inherited. Legislation has been introduced to extend the definition of disability to a physical or mental disability identified genetically or medically, or to a predisposition to it, which substantially limits a major life activity. The advent of genetic testing, as well as the increasing identification of genetic diseases, make genetic information available for use as a basis for medical underwriting in health insurance. Some commentators have suggested that the public health model be applied to genetics, with mandatory genetic testing and even compulsory abortion of seriously affected fetuses.
It's important for anyone considering genetic testing to understand and evaluate these factors before making a decision. Autonomy is also the right of the individual to control their destiny, with or without trust in genetic information, and to prevent others from interfering with important life decisions, whether they are based on genetic information or other factors. The OTA survey of insurers revealed that genetic information is not considered a special type of information. A genetics professional can explain in detail the benefits, risks, and limitations of a particular test. If you are being tested for an inherited genetic disorder, you might consider talking to your family about your decision to have genetic testing.
Even in cases where treatment for a disorder detectable by evaluating the newborn is available, it may not have an unambiguous benefit if it is started after symptoms appear. Ultimately, new laws on a variety of other issues may also be necessary to protect autonomy, privacy and confidentiality in the field of genetics, and to protect people from inappropriate decisions based on their genotypes. In pregnant women, genetic testing can be done on the amniotic fluid (through amniocentesis) or on the placenta (using a chorionic villus sample). Large-scale genomic testing is also used in research to learn more about the genetic causes of conditions. The only potential argument that the health professional could make to contact the family member is that, by diagnosing the patient, they have reason to believe that the family member is at greater risk than the general population of being affected by a genetic disorder. However, the spouse might have a strong interest in genetic information because they would like to protect potential children from risk. It's important for anyone considering genetic testing to understand and evaluate these factors before making a decision.
The approach to genetic testing is individualized based on your medical and family history and the condition you are being tested for. Legislation has been introduced to extend the definition of disability to a physical or mental disability identified genetically or medically. The advent of genetic testing, as well as the increasing identification of genetic diseases, make genetic information, like other medical information, available for use as a basis for medical underwriting in health insurance. Some commentators have suggested that the public health model be applied to genetics with mandatory genetic testing and even compulsory abortion of seriously affected fetuses. Large-scale genomic testing is also used in research to learn more about the genetic causes of conditions.
Ultimately, new laws on a variety of other issues may also be necessary to protect autonomy, privacy and confidentiality in the field of genetics.
