What is genetic screening and how does genetic screening work?

Hello nicola,

Q. What is genetic screening?

Genetic screening is the process in which the genetics of a person (or
people), are screened for possible disorders that are evident at the
genetic level. For clarification, genetic screening is also done on
animals for certain test purposes, and most often in a fetus where a
genetic disorder is suspected.

Some examples of disorders that are evident at the genetic level
include:
- sickle cell anemia
- Tay-Sachs disease
- Down's syndrome
- Seizures
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Huntington's disease

Of course this list is far from inclusive, rather a sample.

Here is a link to the description of the term:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/g1/genet-sc.asp

Q. How does this process work?

Genetic screening is done on many different levels, with most work
done at the at the gene level. I will use a fetus of two human parents
to deliver this example. Here is a synopsis of what happens:

- Both parents contribute 50% of the DNA structure of the fetus.
- Each parent gene present in the fetus contains DNA segments from
both parents
- The two segments are referred to as 'alleles'.
- The alleles is what is scrutizined and studied for a genetic
abnormality.

Information Source - Gentic Screening
http://www.cc.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/mcclean/plsc431/students98/berg.htm

So the fetus in question gives up a DNA sample, and that sample is
checked for mutation or defects that doctors know are associated with
genetic disorders.


A little extra food for thought - I spent 9 years in the Marine Corps,
and our DNA structure is taken and kept the whole time while we are in
service. While most of reasoning is due to crime, they do check us for
sickle cell. The DNA is collected out of the mouth via a swab that is
rubbed against the inside of our cheeks.

For a list of who does what by state, you can visit this page:
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/newborn/disorderstable.cfm

To assist in this answer I searched Google for:

genetic screening
://www.google.com/search?q=genetic+screening

genetic screening process
://www.google.com/search?q=genetic+screening+process

I hope this concise answer is what you needed. If you need further
explanation, please ask before rating this answer, as I would love to
assist more.

Thanks for the great question!
SgtCory

Hi Nicole,

there is little to add to Sgt.Cory's answer. But here is the link to
very interesting article that just appeared in WIRED magazine which
deals with commercial application of genetic screening and which
points out how this technology might be used in the future:

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/10.11/dna.html

Greetings from The Netherlands
Lt_Willie