Genetic Screening
explanatory Essay
2630 words
Genetic Screening Genetic screening techniques are coming of age and the controversy that surrounds them is growing by the minute. The definition of genetic screenings is as follows: a systematic search for persons with a specific genotype. These tests that look into the essence of humanity, will allow scientist and physicians the opportunity and ability to alter the human genotype for better or worse. Genetic advancements will bring controversy at every milestone. Genetic Screening usually takes place when an individu al or group shows risk for a disease or trait. Genetic testing can pinpoint a specific allelic interaction or multiple gene interactions, which may lead to a disorder. The common thread of life is DNA and DNA is the only major requirement for genetic sc reening. With knowledge of structure and function of DNA scientists can unlock the mysteries of life. Who should be tested, when should someone be tested and who should know about the results are some of the small questions that society must answer about the ethics of genetic testing. Ethics plays a major role in understanding the controversy that surrou nds genetic testing. In the following pages I will discuss ethics, techniques, types of test available, major issues, pros and cons associated with genetic screening and finally my opinion. To fully understand the concept of genetic screening some essentials background knowledge is required. First, life replicates itself for the most part in the same manner in all organisms. Second, DNA is the molecule of heredity. DNA provides life its bl ueprints for building, replicating and surviving. Humans have a wide variety of DNA sequences, but the majority of sequences are common to all humans. DNA condenses to f... ... middle of paper ... ...at genetic screening and genetic test are the way of the future and can benefit all with proper regulation. References Allen, B., (1994). Predictive genetic testing: ethical, legal and social implications. USA Today Nov 1994:66-69. Reference 2. Harper, P., (1993)Insurance and genetic testing. The Lancet Jan1993:224-228. Reference 3. Roberts, L. (1990) To test or not to test? Science 247:17-19. Reference 4. Time(1996) Do you want to know if the news is bad? Time v148:29 Reference 5. Blatt, R., An Overview of Genetic Screening and Diagnostic Test in Health Care. Obtained form www.geneletter.org/0996/screening.htm Stawicki, S., Pros of Genetic Screening. Obtained form: biology.uoregon.edu/Biology_WWW/Biospheres/winter95/GeneticS/G.ScreenPros.html Ynachinski, S., Genetic Screeing for Disease. Obtained form www.biotech.ca/projects/tbi/tbi02.htm
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetic screening techniques are coming of age and the controversy that surrounds them is growing by the minute.
- Opines that ethics plays a major role in understanding the controversy that surrou nds genetic testing. they will discuss ethics, techniques, types of test available, major issues, pros and cons associated with genetic screening.
- Explains that dna is the molecule of heredity and provides life's bl ueprints for building, replicating, and surviving. the human genome project is a process of mapping the human chromosome.
- Explains that ethics in genetic screening plays a major role in how the public opinion is formed.
- Explains that a genetic test will not indicate the severity or even if the disease will manifest itself, but it shows that an individual's genetic sequence is suspect for causing it. anxiety of living with the likelihood of one or more specific, chronic, debilitating disease creates psychological burdens.
- Explains that genetic specimens are easy to obtain with a prick of the finger, and genetic analysis tests can be run with this small amount of blood.
- Explains that insurance is based on the complementary principles of solidarity and equity in the face of uncertain risks. the goal of business is to make money.
- Explains that social stigmatism may be placed on individuals and families because of the results of genetic tests. employers could deny jobs to individuals that are at risk for certain diseases.
- Explains the benefits of genetic screening, such as prenatal testing, abortion, and changing habits.
- Explains that genetic tests are expensive in the united states compared to britain. the british system takes into account the money saved by proper treatment and genetic counseling.
- Explains that neonatal genetic tests are used to determine inborn errors of metabolism, which can cause complications later in life. carrier screening is given to individuals that are high risk, such as jewish people of east european descent.
- Explains that maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (msafp) is a common blood-screening test that is performed early in pregnancy.
- Explains that inborn errors of metabolism are tests run on all infants to determine rare disabilities or chemical disorders like pku, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia. hiv, heart disease and cystic fibrosis are also done.
- Explains that sickle cell anemia tests are run on blacks to determine the presence of sickle cells. tay-sachs is tested for in the descendants of jewish people from eastern europe.
- Opines that genetic screening and genetic test are the way of the future and can benefit all with proper regulation.
- Cites allen, b., "predictive genetic testing: ethical, legal and social implications". usa today.
- Describes the reasons why people want to know if the news is bad. time v148:29 reference 5.
- States blatt, r., an overview of genetic screening and diagnostic test in health care.
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
- opinion
- comparative
- argumentative
- Lifelong Health Benefits of Mandatory Genetic Screeningsanalytical essaySince their development and introduction to the field of medicine more than a century ago, genetic screenings have become incorporated in many fields of healthcare, including reproductive health and cancer prevention. Genetic screening is a method of identifying genetic disorders through the study of an individual’s DNA. They can be used to determine predisposition for various disorders such as Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, and sickle cell anemia. Genetic screenings inform individuals about their state of health and can help them make efficient choices in regard to disease treatments and prevention; however they have not gone without controversy. Many feel that such screenings can cause stigma and discrimination against individuals who have unfavorable genetic characteristics. Despite such social setbacks, mandatory screenings with anonymous data released to the public can help benefit both individuals and public health.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetic screenings have become incorporated in many fields of healthcare, including reproductive health and cancer prevention.
- Explains that genetic screenings can lead to immediate treatment of disorders such as hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria, and tay-sachs disease.
- Explains that utilizing genetic screening, individuals and doctors can target health disorders more quickly and efficiently.
- Explains that genetic screening can help determine health issues faster in regions where certain health disorders are more prevalent among ethnic groups, such as in the ashkenazi jewish community.
- Opines that genetic screenings can lead to social stigma against those with genetic disorders despite their benefits for individual and public health.
- Argues that mandatory genetic screenings with public results may lead to a "genetic holocaust", similar to when hitler attempted to lead human evolution to favor fair-pigmented people.
- Explains that even if stigma against ethnic groups does not arise from genetic screening, individual patients may experience high levels of stress due to the results of the screenings.
- Argues that making genetic screenings mandatory will lead to a more informed public when it comes to personal health and family planning, as well as better medical understanding of various genetic disorders.
- Cites atkin, k., eskenazi, and etkin's article, "ethnicity and the politics of the new genetics: principles and engagement."
- Cites hodge, markel, natowicz, alper, and sheth.
- Explains that genetic testing and pharmacogenomics: issues for determining the impact to healthcare delivery and costs, in the american journal of managed care, 2004.
1481 wordsRead More - The Controversial Topic of Genetic Testingexplanatory essayGenetic 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.
In this essay, the author
- Describes the guidelines for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns through older adults.
- Describes holt productions, nova, and pbs home video's cracking your genetic code.
- Explains the national library of medicine's genetics home reference. what is genetic testing?
- Explains that genetic testing has become a highly controversial issue among both the general population and the scientific community.
1033 wordsRead More - Genetic Testing or Genetic Screeningopinion essayGenetic testing, also known as screening, is a rapidly advancing new scientific field that can potentially revolutionize not only the world of medicine, but many aspects of our lives. Genetic screening is the sequencing of human DNA in order to discover genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that may prove pathological. As genetic screening becomes more advanced and easily accessible, it presents society with difficult questions that must be asked about the boundaries of science and to what degree we are allowed to tamper with the human genome. To better understand the potential impact of genetic screening on our society, we must examine the potential benefits in comparison to the possible negative impact it may cause. With this knowledge in hand, we can examine what the future holds for this field of study and the best possible direction to take.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that genetic screening has many revolutionary applications, but personalized medicine is the most significant.
- Opines that genetic screening could have serious unintended consequences for the public, allowing insurers and employers to use that information to deny coverage and benefits.
- Opines that progress is inevitable and research into the human genome will most likely continue.
- Opines that legalizing over-the-counter genetic testing would provide solutions to some of the problems facing the field of study.
- Opines that genetic screening should be allowed to continue but only under heavy scrutiny from regulating bodies.
- Explains that genetic testing, also known as screening, is a rapidly advancing scientific field that can potentially revolutionize not only the world of medicine, but many aspects of our lives.
- Cites coughlin, s.s., and weeks, c. (2002). future challenges for research on diagnostic tests: genetic tests and disease prevention.
1504 wordsRead More - Persuasive Essay On Genetic Testingexplanatory essayIn recent years, genetic testing has become a popular topic in the media. Usually involving cheek swabs, blood samples, or amniotic fluid samples, the procedure is relatively simple and can help diagnose genetic disorders, determine ideal medication types, or simply determine the patient’s heritage. It has saved many lives from cancer and other afflictions, but to say that genetic testing is always the correct choice is false. There are many issues with the tests, considering that they are new to the medical world. Genetic testing is mostly harmful because of privacy concerns, how underdeveloped it is, and the risk of it pushing a mother to abort her child.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetic testing has saved many lives from cancer and other afflictions, but to say that it is always the correct choice is false. genetic testing is harmful because of privacy concerns, how underdeveloped, and the risk of pushing a mother to abort her child.
- Explains that until the genetic nondiscrimination act (gina) was passed in 2008, employers could deny people jobs and insurance companies could raise rates solely based on a person’s genetic makeup.
- Opines that genetic testing is too widely available, and until there are more restrictions it is probably best to not get tested.
- Explains that dna testing has only been around since the mid-1980’s, so it is still underdeveloped.
- Explains that genetic testing is the most well-known use for finding disorders in a fetus. it seems strange that people rely on tests like this before they even see the child and can know for sure if they have any disorders.
- Opines that taking a genetic test is risky and that companies can publicise or use the results against the patient, even though this is illegal.
740 wordsRead More - Genetic Testinganalytical essayGenetic Testing The technologies available to aid in diagnosing genetic diseases and disorders have developed extraordinarily over the years. As a result, one topic up for discussion is how the technology should be used in the realm of diagnosing children before birth, mainly, using it to selectively screen embryos for genetic diseases. Leon Kass is one author who opposes genetic testing. He provides two main reasons why he feels it is morally wrong to use genetic screening on unborn children.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that those affected with down's syndrome will suffer tremendously, including socially and emotionally. it is a chromosomal abnormality that results from faulty eggs or sperm.
- Argues that kass's second point is that we easily slide from possession to identity when we describe an individual, but he is wrong about the reasons behind it.
- Analyzes leon kass' persuasive argument against genetic testing. he provides examples of how those suffering from genetic diseases are later selected against will suffer significant emotional distress and social alienation.
- Explains that leon kass opposes the use of genetic screening on unborn children.
- Analyzes how kass believes genetic testing is morally wrong. he believes that children born with a genetic disorder will be treated differently by their parents and others.
1262 wordsRead More - The Genetic Screening Debatecomparative essayThe Genetic Screening Debate Within the past thirty years, researchers have found strong evidence linking genes and disease. The development of predictive genetic tests followed shortly after the isolation of certain candidate genes. Although predictive genetic screening is only available for a handful of diseases, its effects and ramifications have become hotly debated issues in a wide range of areas, from government to religion. The debate began in the 1993 when researchers isolated the BRCA1 gene, which is associated with increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that proponents believe that people from high-risk families can gain many benefits from knowing whether or not they carry a genetic mutation.
- Describes the biology of genetic testing, and then discusses the pros and cons of it.
- Concludes that genetic tests do not provide definitive results and therefore should not be used.
- Explains that genetic testing for cancer is here, whether we need it or not.
1835 wordsRead More - Genetic Testing and the US Healthcare Systemargumentative essayHealthcare in America is in a crisis. By 1996, more than 43 million Americans were uninsured. By 2010, the number is expected to rise to 57 million. These figures are already shocking, but they are even more so considering that the healthcare costs of the US total $1.2 trillion or 15% of the gross national product (GNP) – the highest in the world.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that genetic testing is the analysis of human dna, rna and chromosomes to detect heritable disease-related genotypes and mutations. prenatal, newborn, and carrier screening are included.
- Explains that genetic testing continues to have economic benefits for working and productive members of society.
- Opines that genetic testing needs to play an increasingly important role in the us healthcare system. it will allow healthcare providers to allocate resources more efficiently while still reducing overall healthcare expenditures.
- Proposes the widespread use of genetic testing in the us healthcare system to address the concerns of spiraling healthcare costs.
- Explains the importance of genetic testing in preventing and treating diseases such as alzheimer's, cancer, and breast cancer.
- Argues that genetic testing can reduce healthcare costs if used as a form of preventive medicine.
- Argues that genetic testing saves money in the short-term by more efficiently adopting a preventive medicine approach.
- Explains that genetic testing is essential for the proper diagnosis of rare single-gene disorders. genetic testing eliminates mental and physical anguish associated with disease.
- Proposes ratification of bills in congress outlawing genetic discrimination by insurance providers.
2450 wordsRead More - Identifying DNA Abnormalities Through Genetic Testingexplanatory essayGenetic testing involves examining an individual’s DNA and identifying abnormalities within the chemical makeup of specific structures. It, essentially, maps the person’s genome and can be interpreted to predict future issues. By analyzing the chromosome, genes, and even certain proteins, physicians and researchers can find changes that lead to inheritable disorders. These changes can lead to possible diagnosis or cure for the disorder in question. In most cases, genetic testing is used to determine the probability that an individual will develop a certain disorder. It is not used to specifically diagnose a disorder, as there are no techniques that are 100% accurate. Genetic testing techniques do give good evidence to confirm a physician’s findings, but it is not the first act a physician takes to diagnose a disorder. It can narrow a search or rule out a specific disorder very confidently, but making a diagnosis based solely on genetic testing is not an action that a qualified medical professional would consider.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the movie talked about genotyping and actionable genes. genotyping reveals the alleles of an individual that have been inherited.
- Opines that prenatal screening and preimplantation genetic diagnosis are more beneficial than harmful and can help parents plan for possible eventualities.
- Explains that sickle cell anemia is a well-researched disorder of the red blood cells.
- Explains that genetic testing can determine whether a couple is carriers of disease, and if they will possibly pass it on to the next generation.
- Describes the types of genetic tests available at the national library of medicine.
- Describes the signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia from the heart, lung, and blood institute.
- Explains omim entry # 603903 - sickle cell anemia.
- Explains the risks and limitations of genetic testing from the national library of medicine's genetics home reference.
- Explains that genetic testing involves examining an individual's dna and identifying abnormalities within the chemical makeup of specific structures.
- Explains the signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia, including fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and jaundice. the mutant beta globin (hbs) mutation is associated with many other genetic precursors.
1281 wordsRead More - The Pros of Prenatal Genetic Testingopinion essayThe Pros of Prenatal Genetic Testing Many medical advances are being made today in the area of genetics. One of the most talked about is prenatal genetic testing. The purpose of prenatal genetic testing is to obtain information on a baby's health before they are born. This new technology will definitely improve the quality of human life. Diseases will be diminished and through new advances some diseases might even be eliminated.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that prenatal genetic testing will improve the quality of human life by obtaining information on a baby's health before they are born.
- Explains that many people have a negative outlook on prenatal genetic testing because they are not educated on the goals and actual applications of the technology.
- Explains the medical advances being made feasible by genetic testing. understanding genes in the developing human will help doctors understand the nature of genetic diseases and may lead to countless other medical breakthroughs.
- Opines that prenatal genetic testing is to improve life through good health.
- Opines that prenatal genetic testing will also benefit society as a whole. if there are less people born with health problems the cost of health care will be lower.
- Opines that prenatal genetic testing can positively impact life, and that medical advances that are discovered and made possible will definitely improve life.
468 wordsRead More - Cracking Your Genetic Code: A Review of Genetic Testinganalytical essayCracking Your Genetic Code: A Review of Genetic Testing In Gattaca, the plot focuses on the ethics, the risks, and the emotional impact of genetic testing in the nearby future. The film was released in the 90s; yet in the present, the film does not give the impression of science fiction. Today, genetic testing is prevalent in many aspects of the scientific community. This paper will describe genetic testing, its purpose, diagnostic techniques that use genetic testing, relating Huntington’s disease to genetic testing, and the pros and cons of genetic testing. Genetic testing Description of genetic testing By using identified gene mutations that are known to cause diseases, asymptomatic individuals are able to discover if they are at risk for specific genetic conditions; this is known as genetic testing.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how gattaca's plot focuses on the ethics, risks, and emotional impact of genetic testing in the nearby future. genetic testing is prevalent in many aspects of the scientific community.
- Explains that asymptomatic individuals are able to discover if they are at risk for specific genetic conditions by using identified gene mutations. genetic testing can vary in its predictive ability.
- Compares two examples of genetic testing in the film, noah and alexis beery, who are stricken with a rare disease that mimics cerebral palsy.
- Explains the purpose of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (pgd), which is to determine genetic anomalies early in pregnancy.
- Analyzes how dr. francis collins underwent genetic testing at three private companies, stating that this variability is due to the different companies looking at different parts of the genes.
- Explains huntington's disease (hd) symptoms are characterized by intellectual deterioration, psychiatric symptoms, severe depression, progressive motor abnormality, and typical chorea. compared to other rare diseases, individuals still have children due to late onset of hd.
- Explains the u.s. system of oversight of genetic testing: a response to the charge of the secretary of health and human services.
- Describes the risks and limitations of genetic testing.
- Explains that genetic testing can confirm or deny the presence of mutated genes in the patient's genome.
- Explains that huntington's disease is linked to a polymorphic dna marker on chromosome 4p16.3 — the trinucleotide repeat (cag)n is the cause of hd.
- Explains that genetic testing is a preventative measure for huntington's chorea. if parents know they are carriers, they're less likely to have children.
- Explains that harper, p., braude, pickering, flinter, and mackie, c. (2002). landmarks in medical genetics.
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