Blood Testing In Newborns

One of the benefits of prenatal screening is to enable early detection of the developmental defect embryology. This embryology developmental defect may be due to the mutation or genetic inheritance. Mutation is a condition characterized by permanent change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. It can range in different sizes from a single DNA building block (DNA base) to a large segment of a chromosome. On the other hand, genetic inheritance is a condition whereby parents pass traits such as height and other characteristics to the children by chromosomes. “Sonograms, genetic tests and a new test called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis -- which is a genetic test conducted on embryos for people attempting pregnancy through in vitro fertilization -- allow women to better predict if the infant will have a genetic defect” (New York Times Magazine, 2006). Thus thorough these tests, medical practitioners are able to identify and make early preparation toward any abnormalities of the fetus.

Embryonic screening allows for the elimination of inherited diseases before birth or a treatment plan before birth. In breast cancer patients, genetic testing allows the physician to know if chemotherapy is necessary, which would expand treatment options. Genetic testing could eliminate years of experimental testing and medication use used to diagnose a new disease. Overall, genetic testing is in alignment with the core medical philosophy that early prevention leads to early treatment, which leads to an overall better outcome for the patient.

The amount and scope of testing newborns is increasing as time goes on, should they be tested for other traits? Some traits that might be available to be tested for in is traits linked to alcoholism, heart problems, and how smart you can be when you are older. Baby's shouldn't be tested for these traits because it can worry the parents, it would set the child to a certain level they can't achieve or want to reach any higher but are told they can't, and also tell you how you are going to live you life by predicting/telling you traits of certain disease and personality traits.

If the child the parents are getting tested is adopted, the rules should differ. When a child goes up for adoption, they should automatically get a genetic test for mutations in genes because they might not know the child's family history. If the place of adoption does not test the child, it should be a requirement to whoever adopts the kid to get it genetically tested before the parents can take the child home.

Newborn screenings are done to identify infants with PKU. Each state in the United States differs with their screening process, but most of the screenings consists of blood tests. A few drops of blood are collected from the baby’s heel 24 hours after the baby is born. The blood sample is sent to the laboratory to test for metabolic disorders such as PKU. If there is an indication of PKU further tests are conducted like urine tests and more blood tests.

Prenatal genetic testing has become one of the largest and most influencial advances in clinical genetics today. "Of the over 4000 genetic traits which have been distinguished to date, more than 300 are identifiable via prenatal genetic testing" (Morris, 1993). Every year, thousands of couples are subjecting their lives to the results of prenatal tests. For some, the information may be a sigh of relief, for others a tear of terror. The psychological effects following a prenatal test can be devastating, leaving the woman with a decision which will affect the rest of her life.

Genetic screenings for newborns are mandated genetic tests that are performed on all babies after birth. Genetic screenings are used to determine the potential for illness, disease, or conditions that could be passed on, by one or both parents. The test performed can be found on the website http://www.wadsworth.org/newborn-screening/screened-disorders, but include a list of over forty current mandatory genetic screenings. Genetic screening is done to protect newborns from conditions, diseases, or illnesses, that otherwise appear normal and may not be visible at birth, but through the mandatory screenings, abnormalities to genetic disorders can be detected, so risks can be reduce, decision, interventions and treatments can be made, that might

Lillie SE, Tarini BA, Janz NK, Zikmund-fisher BJ. Framing optional genetic testing in the context of mandatory newborn screening tests. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2015;15:50.

This makes it possible for certified health professionals to better understand the genetic make up each parent is carrying. With certain combinations of genes may lead to serious and sometimes fatal diseases that can even put the mother at risk. Dr. Jeff McMahan from AMA Journal and Professor from Rutgers University quotes, “People object to screen their infants for reasons possibly only independently known, and others have a stance on screening procedures that must be done.” It is often commonly brought up that screening is discrimination and diversity against the human

Genetic screening and testing has limitations though, as it is not certain that a genetic disorder will be found. Many disorders can not be found by performing a genetic test as well.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies, about 3 percent of all babies born in the United States each year” (Nierenberg, 2018). Prenatal testing for genetic disorders could appropriately prepare physicians and families. A prenatal test is a test that is done during

Parents of children and newborns have the option to undergo genetic testing. Children and newborns, in my opinion, should undergo genetic testing. If a child had a high risk of diabetes or a form of cancer, wouldn’t the parent want to know so they could begin treatment as soon as possible and try to prevent it? There are many advantages and disadvantages to genetic testing at birth. But, the pros seem to outweigh the cons.

DNA is the genetic code that exists in all living organisms. Usually, DNA is replicated with the same genetic information. However, there are some mistakes which occur during the DNA replication, which will result in some complications and abnormalities in genes leading to genetic diseases.128 So the identification of genetic mutations is an important component in the early diagnosis of many types of diseases and undesirable behaviors. Genetic testing is usually required for a diagnostic reason if there are symptoms of a disease that may be caused by genetic alterations. If there is a family history of a genetic condition, it is always wise to take the genetic testing before the symptoms show up. Genetic tests are available for the pregnant

This type of genetic testing is very important because results can show genetic disorders right away in newborn babies. The faster these abnormalities are tested for and identified, the faster treatment and proper care for the illness can be provided.

With the advent of genetic testing many disease conditions can be predicted and in case of prenatal genetic testing the parents are provided with information about the potential occurrence of a particular disease condition to provide them an opportunity to make an informed decision to continue with pregnancy or not. This will save a lot of families who are not financially sound from the possible economic burden. In case of genetic testing post birth, it allows the person to be more cautious and help make better decisions such as family planning etc. However with the