B13.10 Screening for genetic disorders Flashcards
What is the purpose of IVF?
In vitro fertilisation can allow embryos to be screened before they are implanted in the mother
What is Amniocentesis?
Carried out at around 15-16 weeks in pregnancy - involves taking some of the fluid around the developing fetus
Fluids contains fetal cells which can be used for genetic screening
What is Chorionic villus sampling?
Done between 10-12 weeks - by taking a small sample of tissue from the developing placenta - be used for genetic screening
How is the embryo tested?
DNA is isolated from the embryo cells and tested for a specific disorders
What is the concern for the screening procedures?
Might give a false positive or a false negative - and then can lead to a termination of a healthy pregnancy
What are the issues for screening?
Economic - expensive
Social - health-care
Ethical - Morals
