The Controversial Topic of Genetic Testing

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Genetic testing has become a highly controversial issue among both the general population and the scientific community. It is a process that exposes a person’s entire genome sequence, allowing it to be read and evaluated to identify potential risks for genetic diseases or diseases that could be passed onto offspring (Holt Productions, 2012). With thousands of genetic tests already being used, and more being established, it seems logical to put this growing technology to use. Some agree that it is a person’s right to know and understand his or her genetic makeup. However, others argue that, despite the benefits of genetic testing, caution should be used to carefully inspect the risks associated with this new technology.
Relatively simple tests can be used to conduct genetic testing on adults and children; even fetuses can undergo testing, but at greater risk for complications. Currently, genetic testing has to be ordered by a medical professional such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or medical geneticist. Once ordered, a DNA sample is sent to a lab for further testing.
In adults, sampling methods typically involve taking DNA through blood draws, hair pulls, skin samples, or samples of other tissues. In fetuses, however, there are two techniques that can be used to obtain genetic information: amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Through amniocentesis, amniotic fluid is taken from the placental sac and tested directly. The other method is chorionic villus sampling, where a tissue sample is tested after being taken directly from the fetus (National Library of Medicine, 2014). Genetic testing has become a routine procedure to test newborns for various genetic diseases.
One such genetic disease that is routinely screen...

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...genetic testing, while keeping in mind the potential dangers of this new technology.

References
Farrell, P. M., Rosenstein, B. J., White, T. B., Accurso, F. J., Castellani, C., Cutting, G. R., ... & Campbell III, P. W. (2008). Guidelines for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns through older adults: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation consensus report. The Journal of Pediatrics, 153(2), S4-S14.
Holt Productions, NOVA, & PBS Home Video. (2012). Cracking your genetic code: [United States]: PBS Home Video.
Mayo Clinic. (2012). Cystic fibrosis. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/basics/complications/con-20013731
National Library of Medicine (US). Genetics Home Reference [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): The Library; 2014 April 28. What is genetic testing?; [cited 2014 April 29]; Retrieved from: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/cell

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