All organisms inherit genes from their parents. These genes dictate how individuals’ bodies grow or regulate. Meaning any specifying structure or function that a living organism has comes from its parents.
So, what does that imply in case of a disorder? Well, when the parent genes are typical, chances of their following cells having complications are limited. However, having damaged or abnormal genes puts the next cell from the preexisting cell at risk of disorders. This is called gene mutation that is majorly determined by conducting genetic testing.
Therefore, genetic testing is a medical test that helps determine changes in genes and proteins found in chromosomes. It involves looking for changes in:
Genes– gene testing examines DNA sequences in identifying mutations that might cause or increase a person’s risk of a genetic disorder. It also entails DNA testing, where an individual’s DNA building blocks are analyzed.
Chromosomes– chromosomal test analyzes the entire DNA long lengths to identify genetic changes that could cause disorders.
Protein– a biological genes test is conducted to study the number of proteins or enzyme levels in the DNA that might result in a genetic disorder.
Therefore, genetic testing can be helpful in:
Prenatal and Preimplantation Testing
While the experience of expecting mothers would be different, it always brings joy to most pregnant women. The feeling of having their own can sometimes be overwhelming. Therefore, most mothers would always want to know the status of their fetus. And that’s where prenatal genetic testing is helpful.
It helps give the parent-to-be facts and statistics about their fetus conditions. For instance, it can help tell if the fetus has specific disorders like aneuploidy, among others. In most cases, prenatal testing would help lessen parents’ uncertainty about pregnancy. Still, it would help them make decisions on how to handle their pregnancy.
Also, a preimplantation genetic diagnosis can reduce the risk of giving birth to a child with a chromosomal or genetic disorder. Much better, it detects any changes made on embryos during assisted reproductive techniques.
Newborn Screening
Newborn screening is one of the public health services conducted after birth to help identify or determine genetic disorders. With a simple saliva, blood, or tissue test, doctors can check for genetic and hormone-related conditions that would cause severe health problems to the child.
Newborn genetic screening helps identify:
- Hormonal disorders such as congenital hypothyroidism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Hemoglobin problems like hemoglobin SC disease, beta-thalassemia, and sickle cell disease
In case of any gene disorder, genetic testing would help manage the conditions that may affect a child’s future.
Diagnostic Testing
This is when DNA testing or genetic screening is conducted to identify or rule out specific protein, chromosomal and gene conditions. For instance, when a particular disease is suspected, genetic testing is conducted to help confirm its presence. Diagnostic testing can be performed at any stage of a person’s life. However, note that genetic testing may not be inclusive for all genes.
Carrier Testing
This test is used in identifying persons with the exact copy of gene mutation that is available in two copies that would cause genetic disorders. It’s mainly done to people with a family background of a particular illness to identify their chance of developing or passing the condition to others.
In conclusion,
The importance of genes and DNA is the fact that they can be replicated. Unfortunately, some damaged or abnormal genes may be passed from the parent gene to their following cells; this may put the new organisms at risk of developing gene disorders. Therefore, there is a need to conduct genetic testing to help shape the future of new cells and organisms.