Genetic Testing
Typically the human race carries within their bodies two different types of genes. These are of course copies of their biological mother and father genes, the creators of them. With out these original genes the person would not be who they have become to date. Medical research has shown that in actual fact humans have at least 20,000 to 25,000 different genes present within their bodies.
Genetic tests can be carried out to investigate individual’s chromosomes which may include various procedures and different biochemical tests. These types of tests can show up any type of genetic diseases that the individual being tested may have present within their body. It can also show the genes that are mutated and can potentially cause the risk of other disorders.
Genetic tests are carried out in laboratories that are created for this situation and it is an elaborate and complex procedure. They reasons behind the testing may vary and are dependant upon the individuals personal circumstances. A few examples of these sorts of test may be family history of certain illnesses, tests to confirm parentage.
The tests that are conducted are all dependant upon the procedures equipment used. This determines how accurate the results will be. These sorts of tests should only be carried out by experienced and trained physicians. There are tests that can be known as false positives and false negative results which are to be taken and studied in depth and with caution.
Having a genetic test has fairly small risks associated with it. The doctors or physicians often take a small sample of blood or a smear from the individual. Tests can also be carried out by a sample of the person’s skin or hair being taken. Insurance companies cannot request that in order for the individual to have a form of insurance they must undergo such a test. However they may request tests due to age, habits, and the amount of insurance that they are applying for or length of cover that they are after. This will confirm to the insurance company whether or not the individual is currently at risk of developing anything that may affect their underwriting decision. This could be a disease or disorder that could eventually show up and develop.
These sorts of tests can be a brilliant way to see if a mother or a father has passed on any inherited disorders from them to their children. Currently there are over 1200 different genetic tests that can be conducted. All of these are used to determine if an individual has any diseases or disorders. If a pregnant woman is to undergo a genetic test on their unborn child, a physician is able to take a sample of the amniotic fluid which will enable them to test their unborn child.
In some cases these types of tests can not directly identify the genes but can locate them within chromosomes of the individual.