What is DNA Testing and How is it Done
Just a few decades back the field of medicine was not so advanced as it is now. Researchers and technicians are responsible for the revolution in diagnosis and treatments. Because these are two critical things considering a disease. At first, it is difficult to diagnose it and how it is caused. Then after diagnosis, the treatment is also critical. Many techniques, therapies, and technologies are used to cure diseases and disorders. Many tests are conducted to help in diagnosis. Some of them are gene-related while others are not. The following section is all about genetic testing and its benefits.
What is DNA testing?
Gene testing or DNA testing is used to determine various gene mutations that help doctors in the diagnosis of certain genetic disorders or diseases. Not only gene mutation it can also study the cells that tell you about your origin. The results of these tests help you know about your health condition and other factors.
The testing has saved a lot of problems like through genetic testing you know what is happening inside you and what is the condition of your cells. Some tests make you aware of any genetic disorder that can happen in the future. Different genetic test falls into these two categories:
- Diagnostic testing (to determine gene mutation that helps in diagnosis)
- Non-diagnostic testing (for ancestry or identification purposes)
Need of DNA testing
DNA testing is important because it helps in diagnosing any gene abnormality. In this way, you become aware of your disease. Also, this testing enables you to get yourself treated and follow other strategies accordingly. While in some cases you don’t have any genetic disease which gives a sense of relief. It is good to get your tested whether your reports show positive or negative results. Also, this testing has helped people in their identification. Genetic testing is widely used by forensic teams for investigation purposes.
Samples used in genetic testing
Before taking a test, the person is informed about the procedure, benefits and potential risks, and other consequences. With the consent of the patient, the test is conducted. For genetic testing a sample is required that can be blood, hair, skin, nail, or other tissues. The sample is chosen according to the suspect’s disorder or disease. Like the sample used for newborn screening is blood and sometimes the cells are collected from inside the mouth cheeks.
How is genetic testing done?
The genetic testing process is simply described below.
- Sample is taken
- The sample is sent to the laboratory
- Technicians look for gene mutation or other identification stuff
- Laboratory provides test results
There are various laboratories and research institutions that offer genetic testing services such as CRI Genetics can help you learn your genetics and know more about yourself by testing.
Is it possible to cure a genetic disorder?
Gene variation results in a genetic disorder. This variation covers almost all the cells in the body that make it difficult to treat and most can’t be cured. There are some disorders like inborn errors of metabolism that can be treated but some basic care and medical assistance. Many other strategies and treatments are used using advanced equipment. Researchers are also using genetic testing as a way of finding treatments for genetic conditions.
Conclusion
There are some limitations of testing but the consent of the individual is taken and he is completely informed about the test procedures and consequences. Well, most people do not care about the consequences as they are more concerned about knowing what is happening in their cells. So, in a nutshell, genetic testing has brought a revolution in the diagnosis of a genetic disorder. Not long ago people having such disorders were not diagnosed properly but now things have changed.