Genetic

The Value and Uncertainly of Genetic Testing in Medicine

Doctors have many resources in regard to medical testing . They can test for an existing disease , or they can test for the possibility of developing a disease . Routine genetic testing can aid in reproduction decisions , assist a doctor in making a diagnosis , and most importantly encourage patients to live a healthier life in to avoid diseases to which they are genetically predisposed . On the other hand , the results of such tests can leave one open to denial of insurance claims and general genetic

discrimination . While the consequences of such testing may be unpleasant , insurance companies and family members have a right to know the results . Genetic testing for medical purposes should only be undertaken when the patient is willing to accept the responsibility to inform all affected parties of the outcome of the tests

Responsible adults who wish to become parents can be tested for conditions that can be passed down to their children . Currently , those of Jewish descent are tested for Tay-Sachs , and individuals with a history of cystic fibrosis in their families avoid reproducing together Currently , there are over 400 conditions which can be detected through the use of genetic testing

Today we test for one trait at a time . In the future , however , with advances in biochip technology , it will be possible to test simultaneously for as many traits as one would like (Parens , 1993

The benefit of simultaneous testing is that parents don 't have to know what to look for - the doctor can offer a test package that includes a predetermined set of diseases or mutations for which to be tested . In the event that a pregnancy is already underway , genetic testing can give parents the option of either discontinuing a pregnancy , or to prepare themselves with the resources to care for a future sick child . The drawback to this kind of testing is the possibility of increased abortions . Given the current political environment and the widespread anti-abortion sentiments , genetic testing that leads to more abortions might lead to a move to prevent prenatal genetic testing altogether

Genetic testing on babies can provide doctors with a diagnosis that would otherwise be difficult to ascertain . Babies , after all , cannot tell a doctor where it hurts , so a child that shows strange symptoms can be tested to determine what is actually wrong . Adults can use it to confirm a diagnosis or to confirm that a condition is genetic rather than environmental . One such example is that of breast cancer . Lois Mayer of Crete debated what to do about her recurring cancer until she received genetic counseling and testing . Once it had been confirmed that she carried two important genetic mutations that lead to breast cancer she opted to have both breasts surgically removed to minimize her risk of dying (Testing Genes Gives Patients Early Look at Cancer Possibility . Patients who undergo genetic testing that are undergoing genetic testing must be aware that their condition may or may...