Genetic testing is a relatively recent scientific process which uses analsysis of a person’s unique genetic material in order to determine information which can have a direct effect on their life in a number of ways. There are a wide range of uses for genetic testing and it is likely that, over time, science will find even more uses for genetic testing, or simply refine and improve upon existing techniques.
The major use for this form of testing is in the area of health and medicine. It has a wide range of applications in this field and patients seeing the results of this use for genetic and lab testing are very thankful for the information they have received. Different stages of the human lifespan are suitable for genetic testing and tests can be carried out for a number of different reasons.
One of the earliest times for genetic testing to be carried out on a human life is when it is still in the embryonic stage of development. This use for genetic testing has the purpose of ensuring that the developing life is not genetically abnormal in some way, such as Down’s syndrome children who have an extra chromosome. This is a powerful use for genetic labs which can make a massive difference to the life of both the foetus and of the expectant Mother. Through prenatal genetic screening, doctors are able to determine whether, for whatever reason, a pregnancy falls into a category which is considered ‘high risk’. These are pregnancies which are likely to pose a danger or risk to either the life of the baby or the Mother. Spotting early on that a pregnancy is high risk allows the doctors to schedule the delivery in a specialist hospital where the maximum level of care and support will be provided.
There are also many adult uses for these tests. People may have genetic testing carried out in order to determine whether they carry the genes which will lead them to develop inherited diseases later in life. This is a valuable tool as it allows the diagnosis to be made before symptoms show. Likewise, if an adult is displaying certain symptoms which may be linked to an inherited illness, then genetic testing can confirm or rule out a diagnosis of an inherited condition. For genetic testing to be effective it must be carried out and interpreted by an expert medical professional to avoid any possible confusion, misinterpretation and distress.

