eTHICS
The dictionary definition of genetic testing is "a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder".
The outcomes of the tests will help you figure out how to treat your sickness or illness. In general, there are many types of genetic testing a person can use. One being newborn screening. It is used to test babies a couple days after birth to find out if they have diseases known to cause problems with health and growth development.
Another genetic test is carrier testing. This is used to find out if a person is carrying a gene of the disease. Carriers often show no signs of the disease, but their children can be born with the disease or be carriers themselves. This type of testing can be used with a family who has a history of this disease or a certain ethnic group who has a higher risk of developing this disease (FAQ, 2014).
Genetic testing in most cases has a low risk of impacting your health in a negative way but it can be very difficult financially and emotionally to find out your results. Financially, genetic testing can be pricey ranging from $100 to $2,000 but not all coverage companies will cover it. Genetic testing can have an impact on on a person emotionally as well. It can be scary learning about family history or getting tested yourself. Some people might find themselves associated with guilt, anger, anxiety or depression when their results are discussed with them (FAQ, 2014).
The outcomes of the tests will help you figure out how to treat your sickness or illness. In general, there are many types of genetic testing a person can use. One being newborn screening. It is used to test babies a couple days after birth to find out if they have diseases known to cause problems with health and growth development.
Another genetic test is carrier testing. This is used to find out if a person is carrying a gene of the disease. Carriers often show no signs of the disease, but their children can be born with the disease or be carriers themselves. This type of testing can be used with a family who has a history of this disease or a certain ethnic group who has a higher risk of developing this disease (FAQ, 2014).
Genetic testing in most cases has a low risk of impacting your health in a negative way but it can be very difficult financially and emotionally to find out your results. Financially, genetic testing can be pricey ranging from $100 to $2,000 but not all coverage companies will cover it. Genetic testing can have an impact on on a person emotionally as well. It can be scary learning about family history or getting tested yourself. Some people might find themselves associated with guilt, anger, anxiety or depression when their results are discussed with them (FAQ, 2014).