The effect of taking a DNA test is far more profound than just getting the information, it causes more harm than the medics portray. The following questions would help a person decide whether to take the test.
Are you prepared to make changes in your life and lifestyle if the DNA test results demand so? Genetic test results could change ones financial life and social identity. Many people cannot acquire the medical attention and change of eating habits that their newly discovered conditions demand. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages genetic testing for children unless there is clear evidence of beneficial treatment or effective prevention strategies. Some individuals have financial the ability to handle chronic diseases while others find it a nightmare. An example is the case for Hunter who had two girls with rare conditions and the regular MRI tests she had to undertake, which ate into her finances. Change of lifestyle is inevitable after testing. For example, in cases where children carry a gene called ApoE4, indicating higher risks of Alzheimer's parents could discourage the kid from playing football or hockey. This means that a kid could not lead a normal non restrained life. Indirect financial consequences are possible, being diagnosed with some terminal illnesses like dementia would mean that patients would not acquire long-term-care insurance (Roman 22).
Do you know that some diseases are incurable, and some test results cannot be explained medically? It is an important question because the patient may feel cheated when test results come out with more details the next few months after technological advancement. For example, apart from the enlarged lymph node, in Amanda's case, doctors could not explain what causing her the other problems was. Amanda's missing chromosomes was discovered after a third test but still this did not explain her condition; this led the doctors to move further to test her for cancer. There is a steady flow of new discoveries every day and the doctor should make their patients understand that they are doing their best to explain and treat various unexplained genetic conditions. The author acknowledges that Imperfect knowledge could make people bankrupt or crazy (Kaestle, Frederika, and Horsburgh 45).
Do you understand the emotional and health consequences that the test results could have on you and your family? The patient's emotional and health preparedness to receive the results and the stress that results should be evaluated. For example, a mom would have an emotional blow if they discover that their child has a mutation that increase risks of ovarian cancer or Alzheimer's. Hunter, Amanda's mother confesses that the test information weighed heavily on her, and she wished she did not know because she was waiting on disability and death uncertainties.
Test results can come with uncertainties and disappointment for patients who already have their prior conclusions making them discover information they did not anticipate. Sandi's results, for example, came with grave revelation that she had extreme risk of colorectal cancer. She, however, just wanted to test for family lineage. More Betting was shocked that his test results pointed he carried Native American markers though he all along believed that he was European. After Cherly and Sandi discovered that they shared a father Sand felt bad that cherly was referring to Joe as daddy. She felt guilty and that she should not have taken a DNA test.
Before taking a DNA test, it's important to explain to the patients the consequences of such a step. Currently, many companies offer online DNA services hence have little contact with their client. The testing companies should organize for counselling prior and after the test. Patients should also seek legal advice in cases where identity and inheritance issues could be involved.
References
Kaestle, Frederika A, and K A. Horsburgh. "Ancient DNA in Anthropology: Methods, Applications, and Ethics." American Journal of Physical Anthropology. 119 (2002): 92- 130. Print.
Rochman, B. "The DNA Dilemma: a Test That Could Change Your Life." Time. 180.26 (2012): 42-7. Print.
