...E Poole Beecham English 101 10059 19 April 2010 Genetic Testing Imagine choosing your daughter to have high intelligence. No one would fault the parents for giving their daughter this advantage for life. Parents can make the decision to use any safe drug or therapy to enhance their future children to make them smarter, better, stronger, to increase their intelligence, height, or other traits (Zane). Testing for medical tendencies to screen and reduce the possibility of future illness or diseases is now feasible. Genetic testing can enhance and improve lives with immeasurable benefits. The rewards of this testing outweigh any reservations. Genetic testing are examinations of blood and other tissues of the body that doctors in the medical field prepare to test for possible defects of the body. These DNA based tests generally involves direct examination of the DNA molecule itself and are very sophisticated techniques of testing genetic disorders in the bodies of human beings. Prenatal genetic testing with the procedure of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD is a technique whereby testing is performed of an approximate three-day-old embryo to confirm that it does not carry a particular disease or diseases (Naik). The test predicts, with variable confidence, what the possible medical problems will be in the future. Then the doctor implants this embryo, which is free of that syndrome, in the mother's womb. It appears to be relatively easy to check the DNA and eliminate...
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...Genetic testing is a scientific process in which an individual’s DNA can be screened for mutations or variations that may cause certain diseases or dysfunctions. It is my opinion that standard genetic testing for disease or the predisposition to disease is purely beneficial. Having clear answers as to whether or not a person may carry a higher risk for some diseases may in fact save their life, or the lives of their current or future children. However, over the years of development of the science, more and more controversial types of testing have developed. In this paper, the science of genetic testing will be introduced by going through a brief history, the different types of genetic testing available, as well as the controversies that surround them. History Genetic testing had a very positive and productive start. The first usage of Genetic Testing occurred over half a century ago, beginning with the testing of infants for PKU, or Phenylketonuria, “an inborn error of metabolism in which an amino acid buildup in the blood causes mental retardation.” (Lewis) To test infants, a drop of blood was taken from their heel while at the hospital after birth. If a child was found positive for PKU, dietary treatment was used to prevent loss of brain function. Testing was reliable and results were accurate. The disease being tested for was easily treatable, and every child that came through was tested without a problem. (Lewis) In the 1970’s, doctors began the process of testing...
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...Genetic testing is an important scientific-medical process. It is actually used very commonly and for many different purposes. Running genetic tests have a variety of use because doctors and scientist can identify a genetic disorders, diseases , study DNA, genes, and chromosomes, and it can even be used for forensic testing. Although genetic testing is a great medical tool, genetic testing does not prevent a disorder or disease. Genetic testing informs when there is a disorder or disease, it’s most useful for analyzing disorders and diseases like cancer. (Gates,2014) Cancer is one of the most common illness, but with a genetic test it can help identify it before it getting to advanced. There was one case with a middle age women named, Mary...
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...In regards to the discussion of genetic testing, ongoing advancements in medicine has introduced new opportunities for expecting parents to discover the previously unknown to earlier generations of parents. With technological advances often, times comes ethical dilemmas. An overwhelming amount of information is often times thrown at new expecting parents without adequate education regarding the importance or necessity of the medical necessity or risk. Although great progress continues to be made in regards to genetic testing, contributing factors such as personal preferences must be taken into consideration, along with religious preferences and personal beliefs. An interesting article about genetic testing written by Clayton (2017) reports...
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...sequences of DNA that determine what characteristics people inherit.Gene Testing is an analysis of a person DNA. It can provide valuable data that may be useful in regards to diagnosing, treating and preventing certain diseases. Through DNA testing scientist can determine whether you are more prone to developing specific illnesses throughout the course of your existence. Geneticists look at different DNA sequences and can tell if you have inherited certain diseases. Some different reasons for using genetics test are testing for cancer, alzheimer's, liver disease, kidney failure hormone deficiencies and mental retardation. Overall the are more than a 1000 different DNA test available. The positive aspects of gene testing is that it could save a persons life and possibly help prevent future illnesses. Some downsides of DNA Test are sometimes they can be inaccurate. The results are not always 100% right because things such as contamination or error can change the results. These type of test may also affect someone emotionally because they were unaware they had a an illness. The risks of prejudice, social stigmatization, anxiety and stress may prevail over the advantages of the test to begin with. Discrimination in the system is a known factor and has been going on for a long time. People are discriminated every day due to age, culture, creed, gender, sexual orientation and religion. The GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act) was put in place to prevent insurance companies...
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...Genetic Testing and College Athletes On April 13, 2010, the NCAA made tests for Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) mandatory, effective in August 2010. SCT is a condition where the blood cells are elongated and potentially block blood flow and resist bonding to oxygen. The trait is generally benign but becomes active under extreme physical stress. For athletes, when performing strenuous activities, the trait is sometimes triggered and can potentially cause death. The statute states “student-athletes must be tested for sickle cell trait, show proof of a prior test or sign a waiver releasing an institution from liability if they decline to be tested.”(Brutlag, 2010) SCT genetic testing and NCAA regulations were implemented in order to protect student athletes, but the testing raises questions of who should receive the test results, the use of the results in discrimination against affected athletes and its potential to be cascade towards excessive genetic testing. In the current legislation, the results from an athletes test are given to the school, the coach and the athlete. This disclosure policy has the potential to be used to discriminate against those who are afflicted with SCT. Although the athlete has the option to opt out of testing initially once they have the test, the disclosure to the school and coaching staff is automatic. The test results should be first given to the student, and then they should have the option to waive liability and not disclose to the university...
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...others screened for up to 36 conditions (Timmermans and Buchbinder 1). In the nonfiction novel Saving Babies? The Consequences of Newborn Genetic Testing, by Stefan Timmermans and Mara Buchbinder, they had stated that many states had started to do genetic screening within those 30 years, but not all states had decided to do all conditions for genetic screening. Critics argue that not many states agree that checking all conditions is necessary. Professionals have agreed that, just to be safe, when having genetic testing done, all conditions should be checked. Genetic testing is an effective way to check diseases on unborn babies. When having...
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...Genetic Testing and the Human GMO The controversies surrounding genetic testing, patenting and the modification of genes both as used in disease treatment and genetic enhancement are on the verge of becoming larger realities. I Intro The initial draft of the Human Genome project is now completed, giving access to the DNA sequences of a human. But it is not the genetic information that is shared that has come under the greatest degree of interest. Rather, the estimated .001% of variance in the genetic code is the subject of recent and expanding controversy; it is our difference not similarities that are most subject to controversy. One such controversy involves the genetic screening of potential employees, to spot potential problematic areas in their genetic make up. Similarly insurance companies may screen clients before deciding what category of clientele to put them in based on genetic risk factors. But the greatest controversies come with the fact that our genetic make up is alterable. There is substantial research being done on how human diseases can be treated using genetic procedures to replace faulty genes, but who stands to profit from this and what are the potential risks? Furthermore, can a treatment based on human genetic information (which is shared by all) be subject to the same patent laws as are other commonly used medicinal tools and methods? And perhaps the most controversial is the prospect of enhancing humans using genetically fostered techniques...
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...Going to get tested for a genetic disorder? That’s so yesterday; thanks to modern scientific knowledge, direct to consumer (DTC) tests make going to a medical professional unnecessary for genetic testing. Medical professionals should not be required for all genetic testing, since the requirement of such professionals raises questions of ethics regarding abortion and eugenics, issues which restrict the rights of parents to make decisions that apply to themselves and/or their offspring. However, regulations on DTC genetic testing should be put into place to eliminate the consequences which result from the lack of knowledge regarding genetic disorders and testing held by patients. One disease capable of detection using genetic testing, Tay-Sachs...
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...Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing Source: Lea, D. H., Williams, J., & Donahue, M. P. (2005). Ethical issues in genetic testing. Journal of midwifery & Women’s health, 50(3), 234-240. 1. Introduction Since Watson and Crick describe the structure of DNA in 1953, recent advances of technology have provided genetists a powerful tool to better understand the role of human genome in human diseases (Watson & Crick, 1953). Consequently, genetic testing has been becoming popular in clinical settings to identify underlying risk for disease in individual and family members. However, the outburst of genetic tests have led to some ethical issues arising from the ability to identify disease-associated genes. This article gives an overview of ethical theories...
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...With the incredible advancement in genetic testing, the issue of confidentiality and privacy has also garnered a lot of attention. Especially regarding hereditary genetic testing, the ethical debate of whether or not to disclose information to immediate family members has been a topic of debate. This is a source of great ethical dilemma for the genetic counselor, since the discovery of a hereditary genetic mutation can affect the immediate family members of the patient. An individual’s decision to withhold medical results and information from biological family members must be respected, but the utility of the results in potentially helping at risk family members must also be considered. However, further exploration of this issue shows that respecting the autonomy of the patient is the ethical...
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...Testing to Save a Life Genomic testing is a way of studying an individual's genes for complications that could lead to health problems like diseases or cancers. Tests became more popular in the 1990’s when they were available directly to the customer rather than from a health professional (Goldsmith). Testing is used for more than just screening for potential complications. They can also be used to help determine why pre diagnosed diseases occurred and determine the best treatment option to pursue. The testing can help individuals become educated about their own body while determining solutions to health issues. Genomic testing has very few physical health risks. The main struggles people face are financial, emotional, or social stress....
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...Genetic testing a medical test carried out to identify changes within genes, proteins or chromosomes. Genetic testing is done on participants who are known to be at risk or a particular genetic condition or disease. This information can be seen within an individual’s family history. This test is useful to determine the change people passing on or developing a genetic disorder. Genetic testing is voluntary. The three main types of genetic testing include; Molecular genetic tests, chromosomal genetic tests and biochemical genetic tests. Genetic screening is a test carried out primarily on unborn children (embryos) to identify a current genetic disease or early detection of a genetic disease. This test is available to a transection of people...
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...family’s genetic history or your ancestry. What can you do to find out these types of things? You could take a genetic test, genetic testing can be used to help prevent diseases, it’s the analysis and collection of someone's DNA. It helps identify what diseases someone is predisposed to and can recommend steps to help them change their lifestyle. A wide variety of genetic tests are now available to the public, some give the person’s ancestry, others can give deeper insights to their genetic code. Companies like Ancestry.com began with 2 million sales at the end of 2016, in August of 2017 they had already sold around 5 million. Genetic tests are becoming increasingly common and used more often. It is important that you understand your ancestral history, you can start by using a general genetic test. Genetic tests are very accessible to the public and the majority are very general. Many companies sell genetic tests There are over 30 companies that sell genetic tests. Some even cater to different countries. There are over 25 companies that do not sell tests anymore. The tests are very general and are not specific. General tests give the...
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...I agree with you. In many cases results of genetic testing are not only reveal cause of symptoms and guide treatment, but also help other family members to reduce risk of diseases. For example, young Conner’s father began to receive tests more frequently after he knew both him and his son had an inherited condition call the Lynch Syndrome, which ‘increases the risk of colon and other cancers’ In this short video clip, Genetic testing: Becky Bausman's story, Becky describes the prenatal genetic testing her received as ‘a gift’. Because the couple got information so early in pregnancy, they had the chances to find their support and to learn what they need to learn. They were able to well prepare long before their son, who has Down Syndrome,...
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