The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Screening

In recent years, testing of genetic material for disability or disease of an individual or their offspring has tremendously expanded knowledge for present and future disorders. The medical test of genetic screening is an examination of a population, identifying certain genotypes which display association with disease or susceptibility to disease, influence disease in descendants or fabricate other variations not known to be connected with disease (National Academy of Sciences, 1975). Some examples of the different types of genetic testing available include newborn screening, diagnostic testing, carrier testing, prenatal testing and forensic testing (Gehlert & Browne, 2006). Over the past couple of decades, there have been ongoing discussions on whether or not genetic screening should be encouraged, as testing presents limitations as well as benefits. Whilst the decision about whether to be screened should remain voluntary, as it is personal and complex, genetic screening should be ubiquitously endorsed and educated upon as it presents an improvement of the quality of life for those who are found to suffer a disease or disability and provides scientists and medical professionals with an

There is a strong need of patient understanding, consent and respect for confidentiality, especially if a genetic test on an affected patient is being performed. Ultimately, the decision to be tested should be the decision of the individual, autonomously, and in the case of an unborn child or an infant who has no maturity the final decision should solely be up to the parents or legal guardians, taking to consideration advice from health professionals (National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC], 2010). If an individual should go ahead with a screening, there should be a strict confidentiality whereby the privacy of the patient should be protected by the health