The Genetic Screening Dilemma

The Genetic Screening Dilemma

The National Academy of Science defines genetic screening as the systematic search of a population for persons with latent, early, or asymptomatic disease. The term genetic testing is often used interchangeably, but differs in that it only targets those individuals believed to be at high risk for an inherited condition. Genetic screening has a much broader target population. As genetic screening becomes easier, faster, and less expensive, there is a growing debate about who should be tested, what those results should be used for, and who should have access to those results. Before addressing these questions it is necessary to understand the basic processes involved in genetic screening.

The techniques used for genetic screening are based on the recognition of nucleotide sequences in the DNA. The most commonly used method is called restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). RFLP uses restriction enzymes to cleave the DNA at specific sequences. Cleavage of the DNA generates small restriction fragments of varying length. Electrophoresis is then used to separate the fragments with respect to size and/or charge. The sample is added to an agarose gel plate which is electrically charged for a specific length of time. The smaller and more negatively charged fragments move to the positively charged pole the quickest. A banding pattern with many bands is generated. The bands are then transferred to a nylon membrane by Southern Blot. A radiolabled probe which binds specifically to a sequence of interest is added to the membrane. The banding pattern can now be observed and specific sequences identified. The problems with RFLP are that it is expensive and time consuming. RFLP is the process used for...

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I do not believe that the knowledge of genetic information will affect the decision to reproduce to the extent that alleles will actually be eliminated. Many people will probably not even know their exact genetic makeup. Those who do may decide to have children regardless of the risks. Due to these situations, the elimination of an allele from a human population would be very unlikely. There is also a high likelihood of gene flow occurring between populations because people are highly mobile. Gene flow between populations would act to increase diversity and counteract any reduction of alleles that is taking place.

Genetic screening is a powerful technology. Many risks are involved, but they can be easily reduced by responsible management of information. The information that can be gained with the aid of genetic screening far outweighs the risks.