Genetic Screening Flashcards
Define “genetic screening”
Checking DNA for alleles causing genetic disease
Give 3 types of genetic screening
- Identification of carriers
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis [PGD]
- Prenatal Testing
Who are the identification of carriers treatment offered to?
Individuals with family history of a genetic disorder
What are the advantages of identification of carriers treatment? 2
- Healthcare professionals can advise people on risk of developing disease in later life
- Individuals can make informed decisions on whether to have children and future treatment
What is the identification of carriers?
Individuals are informed whether or not they carry a recessive allele for a genetic disease
What is preimplanation genetic diagnosis?
- Embryos produced by IVF are screened for genetic disorder alleles before implantation
What are the advantages of preimplantation genetic diagnosis? 2
- Reduces chances of giving birth to a baby with a genetic disorder
- Avoids abortion
What are the issues with the identification of carriers? 4
- Could cause emotional distress
- Possibility of false results
- Other genetic abnormalities could be found
- Genetic discrimination e.g from insurance companies
What are the issues with preimplantation genetic diagnosis? 2
- False results
- Designer babies - choosing appearance characteristics
What is prenatal testing?
Screening unborn babies for genetic disorders
Who is prenatal testing offered to?
Pregnant women with a family history of genetic disease
What are the two types of prenatal testing?
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic Villus Sampling
How is amniocentesis carried out? 3
- Test sample of amniotic fluid
- Obtained via abdomen with fine needle
- Fetal DNA analysed
What is amniotic fluid?
The fluid surrounding the fetus
When can amniocentesis be carried out?
15-20 weeks of pregnancy
