Genetic Screening Techniques Essay

Genetic screening is done with RFLP analysis. RFLP stands for Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. RFLP analysis is used to find an identifiable pattern of fragments (an RFLP) that indicates a genetic marker. The genetic marker is unique and is inherited in all people with a disorder or disease. The RFLP comes from a strand of DNA near a suspected gene location that has been cut with a restriction enzyme into smaller pieces. The pieces of DNA are separated using gel electrophoresis into their distinctive bands. The RFLP is a distinctive pattern of the fragments in the gel. All people with the disorder or disease have the RFLP pattern, it is written in stone or in this case, DNA. DNA bands are studied to determine if a person has a disease, is a carrier, has no prior deposition to the disease, or if they will develop the disease in the future. A detailed human map is being developed by scientists worldwide who are contributing information to the human genome project. The human genome project is an attempt to map out every gene on every chromosome of the human genome. It is going slowly, but growth in knowledge of the genome is growing exponentially every year. Along with the growth, we are accumulating knowledge about more

In this critique, I will be discussing my opinion on Mr. Pollard’s article about genetic screening. These genetic screening began in the 1960’s and since then they have found themselves in the middle of major controversy throughout the years (Press, 2008). Genetic screening a series of test performed when a mother is pregnant in order to figure out whether or not her child may have a developing disorder. Some genetic screening are also performed after the baby is born. Genetic screening can play a major role in personal parenting decisions and medical treatment if and when deemed necessary. Although genetic screening has much debate surrounding it, testing for any potential disorders and diseases can be live saving.

States. If both parents are carriers of this mutated gene, their child will have a 25% chance

When providing genetic testing services, the doctor or counselor should follow a set of principles. The doctor is obligated to explain the procedures and their purposes, describe the risks and benefits to be expected, inform of other alternative (possibly advantageous) procedures, disclose the range of decisions the patient may have to make, and answer all questions openly and

Knowledge of the human genome, and an increase in the availability of genetic testing at lower cost has made genetic testing more popular.

Genetic testing identifies changes in ones genes and chromosomes. These changes often lead to diagnoses of conditions, disorders, or diseases. Through testing, “one can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or

Genetic testing has become a highly controversial issue among both the general population and the scientific community. It is a process that exposes a person’s entire genome sequence, allowing it to be read and evaluated to identify potential risks for genetic diseases or diseases that could be passed onto offspring (Holt Productions, 2012). With thousands of genetic tests already being used, and more being established, it seems logical to put this growing technology to use. Some agree that it is a person’s right to know and understand his or her genetic makeup. However, others argue that, despite the benefits of genetic testing, caution should be used to carefully inspect the risks associated with this new technology.

Only 2 genetic counselors had their employer’s specific genetic counseling website links as part of their contact information. The Children Hospital’s Colorado’s website mentions the services provided by a genetic counselor if a genetic mutation is found for hereditary cancer (Hereditary Cancer, 2016). However, I could not find genetic counseling for other types of conditions and diseases. Overall, the genetics information on this website is scarce. In contrast, Parker Adventist Hospital has much more information about genetic counseling on its website, especially for hereditary cancer, breast cancer, and cardiovascular conditions and diseases (Genetic Counseling, 2016). Both websites are very informative about genetic counseling – presenting current detailed material in an organized format without appearing to be pushy or aggressive toward the reader about this

Genetic testing, can affect a person’s life in many ways. Genetic testing is a type of medical testing that identifies changes that occur in chromosomes, proteins, and genes. These changes that occur can be associated, and often are associated with inherited

Genetic testing existed even before the commencement of the Human Genome Project but has rapidly increased in its abilities with the newly discovered information the project provides. The US Task Force describes genetic testing as "the analyses of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes" (Zimmern, 1999). Prior to the advances in genetic testing technology diagnosis of disease was "based upon observation of the patientís condition, supported by the results of laboratory tests on blood and tissue samples" and sometimes a family history study (Mehlman, 1998). Now genetic testing doesnít require such extensive searching. It is possible to detect the presence of or probability of developing genetic disorders. "Diseases amenable to genetic testingÖinclude heritable conditions, acquired genetic conditions and diseases caused by infectious agents" (Mehlman, 1998).

Genetics are the foundation of every human make up, but most people have little to no knowledge of their own foundation. Though some people believe that the encryption of their genetics ruins the surprise in life, other people want to be as prepared as possible for any issues that are encoded in their genetics and cannot be prevented. Genetic counselors test people of any age to uncover a mysterious condition. Counselors can find the likelihood that an adult will develop cancer or will develop a condition that starts in the late stages of life. With the new knowledge, a patient can be better prepared for their future. Counselors can also complete prenatal work by focusing on the parents’ genetics. They test for conditions like down syndrome

Since their development and introduction to the field of medicine more than a century ago, genetic screenings have become incorporated in many fields of healthcare, including reproductive health and cancer prevention. Genetic screening is a method of identifying genetic disorders through the study of an individual’s DNA. They can be used to determine predisposition for various disorders such as Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, and sickle cell anemia. Genetic screenings inform individuals about their state of health and can help them make efficient choices in regard to disease treatments and prevention; however they have not gone without controversy. Many feel that such screenings can cause stigma and discrimination against individuals who have

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

Prenatal genetic testing has come a long way from the 1930s, it has gone from only having one test capable of detecting only a couple genetic disorders/disease, to now being able to detect just about any genetic disorder/disease, and it is still progressing into the future. In the 20th century, there for only four to five techniques used, however most of these techniques were not completely accurate, but into the 21st century we saw a few new techniques added along with the older ones becoming more accurate in order to plan for a termination or for the future of the fetus. Scientists have been adding to these techniques every day, finding new markers for small changes in the genome and connecting those to genetic disorders that could develop

Human genetic screening is a process that is very complex and very powerful. Genetic screening may detect some inherited traits that may later on cause a person to have a disease that may alter his/her life. Human life, as with any other organism, is b uilt with cells. A human cell consists of forty-six chromosomes, which are paired into twenty-three different pairs. Each one of these chromosomes carries thousands of genes. Each gene consists of information that codes for a particular trait. This information is determined by the DNA found in that gene. A gene for one trait may have various alleles that will make one person appear a little different than that of a person with a different allele. An example would