Genetic tests are done either to diagnose genetic disorders or identify risks associated with developing a disease. Testing problems range from the accuracy of the genetic tests and oversight of the testing labs, to the growing market for mail-order genetic testing, to ethical concerns about testing for conditions that may or may not lead to disease.
In the last 30 years, many of advances in science and technology have created more personalized health care and consumer products. Genetic testing for disease risk allows you to gain information on vulnerability to inherited di...
Some people believe genes are the major cause of depression and others believe events occurring in a person's life or environment causes depression. Many researchers, mental health practitioners and scientists agree a combinati...
Scientists know certain patterns in DNA point to a greater risk for certain diseases or birth defects. If two people who carry a gene for a particular disease or birth defect have a child, there's a greater chance the child wil...
The National Human Genome Research Institute reports that newborn screenings are the most widespread type of genetic testing. All states are required to screen for at least 21 disorders, but some states test for even more. The ...
The availability of genetic testing has boomed recently. Consumers can now order genetic tests via the Internet without a doctor's involvement. Although these tests are designed to help people by providing more information abou...
With the advent of new testing methodologies and increased availability of tests thanks to direct-to-consumer genetics companies and the Internet, more people are able to access a wide range of genetic tests. Although these tes...
Genetic testing can serve many different purposes, from diagnostic testing for symptomatic disease to predictive testing for diseases that won’t set in for years. When used properly and in the context of adequate informed...
Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are two types of invasive tests administered to pregnant woman to gain information about the health of the fetus. These tests could potentially harm the fetus or jeopardize the ...
People consider having genetic testing done for several reasons. People who have a family history of a genetic disease, couples planning to get pregnant and pregnant women concerned about genetic anomalies in their baby may all...
Due to recent discoveries of new genes and the development of new testing methodologies, the availability of genetic testing has increased dramatically. Several companies now offer direct-to-consumer genetic testing through whi...
Sometimes, they have specific concerns about genetic diseases that run in their families or that are related to advanced maternal age, such as Down syndrome. Fetal genetic testing can be done in several ways, beginning before e...
The main characteristics of this condition are facial malformations. If your baby has Pierre Robin syndrome, he will have a small, underdeveloped jaw (micrognathia) and a recessive chin. In severe cases, this facial deformity c...
