INTRODUCTION
Genetic testing is the complex process in which the DNA of the individual is analysed for concerned traits. It helps in detecting certain diseases which are inherited from either of the parents. Many people are now choosing to undergo these tests as this helps them to make them aware of many dangerous genetic disorders like Hemophilia, Cystic Fibrosis, Klinefelter Syndrome, Down syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Sickle-Cell disease, etc.
There are many methods of genetic testing. For example, in buccal smear, a small brush is used to collect the samples of the cells present inside the surface of cheek. Other methods include taking samples from blood, saliva, hair, skin, amniotic fluid, etc. All the methods have their own indications. When the samples are received by the laboratory, these are tested depending on the disorder which needs to be detected. Many methods are employed to process these samples, namely, DNA sequencing, Microarrays (to detect mutations in pathologies like breast cancer). After performing all the desired tests, the reports are delivered to the patients and then they are systematically counseled about the preventive measures they need to take as per the results.
ADVANTAGES
There are many advantages from genetic testing. The most important advantage is the detection of many potential genetic disorders and thus the patients can therefore organize their regular medical checkups that need to be done so as to keep the track of the genetic disorders they are suffering from. This allows them to prevent that particular disorder from advancing and therefore it helps in preventing these dangerous diseases. On the other hand, it also prevents these diseases to pass to the next generation. Prenatal genetic testing ensures that many genetic disorders are detected beforehand and thus the appropriate actions can be taken to prevent these disorders. Many types of Cancers can also be detected and immediate actions can be taken. Preventive surgeries can be planned to decrease the incidence and mortality caused due to Cancer. Sometimes, certain persons do not show any sign or symptom of the particular disease running in their family but those mutated genes are always present in the dormant form. Such persons are known as “CARRIERS” and the persons with the active mutated genes are commonly known as “SUFFERERS”. The carriers often feel relaxed or are less tensed owing to the fact that they do not notice any sign or symptom of that particular disease but there are very good chances that they can pass these ill fated genes to their young ones. And these newborns will then have to pay the price. The genetic testing thus will ensure that these genes are detected and necessary steps are implemented.
DISADVANTAGES
As each and every coin has two faces, similarly Genetic testing also comes with both, advantages and disadvantages. The most important disadvantage is the distress that may be caused among the family members due to detection of certain altered genes. Family relations may get disrupted in certain cases like if a certain individual is not at all interested in undergoing a certain genetic test, then, he/she may face difficult time as there can be the presence of immense pressure from the other family members. And if the test comes out to be positive, then, some persons may feel very guilty of themselves because they will think that they are the only reason for the sufferings of their young ones. On the other hand, if the genetic test results come out to be negative, then this can also be a very big emotional calamity for some individuals as these people may undergo the guilt of surviving the risk of having the fatally dangerous disease but their siblings turn out to be positive. Another important drawback is the limited answers about some inherited diseases (like colon cancer) form the tests. For example, if the test turns out to be positive, it will only mean that the concerned disease may happen. And if the test is negative, that also do not mean that one cannot have that disease ever. If the predisposing or secondary factors are present, then that certain disease can occur.
CONCLUSION
So, after discussing the positive and negative aspects of the genetic testing, it becomes quite clear that, Genetic Testing has more good hidden in it, than the bad, as negative aspects mainly include only emotional or social or financial issues and on the contrast, the positive aspects are helpful enough to outweigh these disadvantages. Genetic testing, obviously, is the most practical and sincerest approach to one’s well being. These tests should be implemented as much as possible in the lives of people as this will make them aware of the potential dangers coming ahead of them. And then after knowing about these potential dangers, they can prepare themselves for a healthier future. This can also help certain couples with their decisions to have children so they can conduct prenatal genetic tests so to ensure the safety of their young ones.
