Genetic Testing
Testing, Testing… 1,2,3
Genetic testing is most
often used to analyze
human DNA to determine
whether an individual’s
genetic makeup indicates
that he or she is
susceptible to certain
medical conditions during
his or her lifetime.
Applications of Testing Humans
Genetic Testing in humans
can help determine
ancestry, paternity and
whether it is likely that an
individual will develop
certain medical conditions.
The use of genetic testing
aims to aid in early
detection, or disease
prevention.
Other Testing Applications
Genetic testing is not just
available for use on
humans. It can also be used
to help discover new animal
species, to trace bacteria in
food or even determine
geographic origin. How
could genetic testing be
expanded in the future?
What are other possible
uses?
Just a Click Away
It is now possible for
individuals to purchase
DNA testing kits online.
Most often, they submit a
sample of their DNA by
spitting into a tube and
mailing it back in to be
tested. These tests can cost
hundreds to thousands of
dollars.
The problem with internet
testing kits is that they are
not consistent and offer
give inaccurate results. This
can often lead to a person
fearing they will develop a
disease in their lifetime that
they are not actually
genetically susceptible to
develop.
In some tests, a
sample of DNA from
the one individual
has yielded different
results from two
separate internet
companies.
A Done Deal?
Family Ties
Genetic Testing is especially
helpful in analyzing the DNA
of potential parents to
improve in vitro fertilization
success rates. It can also help
determine the paternity of
an unborn baby, and
whether the baby is at risk
for having birth defects such
as Down Syndrome.
Genetics CSI
Instead of analyzing
fingerprints, it is now possible
for investigators to use genetic
testing to analyze DNA from a
crime scene. In this way, unique
patterns found in the DNA of
likely suspects can be compared
to the DNA evidence collected
at a crime scene. This new
technology helps determine
whether someone is guilty of a
crime.
By detecting
predispositions to
diseases or medical
conditions early,
patients can seek
counseling and
hopefully take steps to
prevent, or treat certain
medical conditions.
Think Positive Thoughts
The benefits of
genetic testing
continue to grow
as research on
disease
prevention and
treatment
increase.
How to Cope
A huge disadvantage to genetic
testing is that patients are often
given devastating news and have
no access to a counselor or medical
professional to help them cope. The
more widespread genetic testing
becomes, the more these
professionals are stretched thin and
become less available. Many
experts believe this role will soon
fall into the hands of less-thanqualified individuals.
Getting a Head Start
Genetic testing can be very
helpful in giving individuals the
opportunity to seek health
care that is both appropriate
and timely. Doctors can use
genetic testing to try to
prevent and treat diseases as
well as develop and
implement therapies and
treatments that are specific to
a person’s genetic makeup.
You’re Fired
Many people worldwide fear
that as genetic testing becomes
more common, employers might
base hiring, firing and
promotion decisions on whether
an individual’s DNA indicates
that they are susceptible to
disease. If an employer has
access to genetic testing results,
is this an abuse of power or an
infringement of human rights?
Are You in Good Hands?
In addition to fears that
employers will abuse genetic
testing results in their
decisions, many fear that
insurance companies will do
the same. For example,
insurance companies could
charge higher premiums to
those at high risk, or deny
health insurance altogether.
On the Right Track
Should parents
be able to have
their kids
genetically tested
without their
consent?
Is it okay to test
the likelihood an
individual has of
developing a
medical condition
that has no cure?
Who should
have access
to the results
of genetic
tests?
Back to the Future
There are many
difficulties with
genetic testing that
still need to be solved.
Issues involving
accuracy,
discrimination and
coping still exist
worldwide.
Should the
government
require
genetic
testing?
How can
genetic
testing be
expanded?