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Genetic Testing

Genetic testing assists in the identification of genetic disorders through the use of direct examination of DNA as opposed to the less comprehensive testing of enzymes or proteins. The practical applications for such a procedure include: forensic investigations, newborn screenings, pre-natal testing, confirmation of suspected diseases and pre-determination of the likelihood of an individual to develop a disease such as cancer.

A benefit derived from genetic testing is to be able to perform pre-emptive medicinal treatments on a patient whose tests show a high probability of future illness, thus signifying a greater chance of that patient surviving or even eliminating the disease.

Ironically, however, this same benefit is considered dubious by detractors of the more radical practices of gene testing. Pre-symptomatic treatment of illnesses is questionable when one considers that many of the would-be patients might never actually develop the disease they’re being treated for. Also, the screening of a fetus before birth is a highly controversial issue, since pro-life advocates argue that it may encourage the destruction of a human life if it tests positive for genetic problems.

There are hundreds of genetic tests currently available, but the market is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Web Resources On Genetic Testing

Gene Testing
Wikipedia: Genetic Testing

Book Resources On Genetic Testing

Does It Run in the Family?: A Consumer's Guide to DNA Testing for Genetic Disorders by Doris Teichler-Zallen
Quality of Life and Human Difference by David Wasserman, et al

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