The Different Types Of DNA Testing and Their Importance
Researchers have made things very easy for doctors. When a doctor checks the health condition of a person, he asks the patient about different things and assesses that the patient has some specific illness but to treat it and for confirmation doctors perform tests to check if their diagnosis is right. Such tests help doctors in diagnosing many diseases, especially genetic disorders. It is not possible for a doctor to find abnormalities in genes.
What is genetic testing?
DNA testing or genetic testing is conducted to identify changes in DNA sequence and chromosome structure. This testing has brought a revolution in the field of medicine. Many doctors find this testing very helpful in the diagnosis of genetic diseases that are caused due to change in genes, chromosomes, and proteins.
Types of DNA testing
DNA testing or genetic testing has two types and different tests lie in these types. They are differentiated because some are used for the diagnosis of some genetic abnormality while others are used for DNA information or inheritance details. These are:
- Diagnostic testing
- Non-diagnostic testing
Diagnostic testing
Several tests involved in diagnostic testing include:
- Cell-free fetal DNA is a non-invasive test that is conducted to get information about a fetus in pregnancy.
- Diagnostic testing is conducted when a physical mutation is observed and this test is used for the diagnosis of a genetic condition. Like if a person has symptoms of a certain disease then he or she has a genetic test.
- Carrier testing is performed on people with a family history of a genetic disorder
- Prenatal diagnosis is performed on couples who are likely to have a baby with a genetic disorder
- Predictive testing, as the name suggests is a test conducted to predict the chances of having a genetic disorder in the future.
Non-diagnostic testing
It includes:
- Forensic testing is conducted to identify an individual. This is mostly conducted for legal purposes.
- Parenting testing is used to identify similarities in inheritance patterns.
- Genealogical testing is conducted to determine ancestry.
- Research testing is performed for research purposes.
Importance of DNA testing
Science has gotten very advanced and it has found methods for diagnosis and treatments of various diseases and genetic disorders. The tests that are mentioned above tell that these tests can diagnose many genetic conditions and can also predict if someone can face the genetic disease.
So, these tests help in the diagnosis of different diseases, and after that doctors start treatment that helps you to some extent. If a test is not performed in time, the disease may become serious and doctors find it difficult to treat it. Many companies perform DNA genetic testing and you can get information about your ancestry or inheritance. They make sure that the reports are never shared and you can get information about your background.
Is it okay to be tested?
Many people decide to be tested regardless of the risks because some diseases can not be cured but some treatments can help the patient to some extent. The decision to be tested is completely yours and for safety, it is good to see a genetic counselor to gain information about the potential risks and consequences.
Conclusion
DNA genetic testing can give you information about your genes, inheritance, ancestry, genetic disorders, or potential genetic disorders. These tests cover diseases and also these tests are used for criminal investigation. So, the importance of these tests can’t be denied and you can get tested anytime you want but in case of gene mutation or genetic disability, it is good to get medical help and get treated.