Genetic screening facts for kids

Genetic screening is a special kind of check-up that looks at your DNA. Your DNA contains all the instructions that make you unique. This check-up can help find out if someone might be more likely to get certain health conditions that run in families. It can also help discover if a person carries a gene that could be passed on to their children.

Genetic testing looks for small differences in your chromosomes, genes, or proteins. These differences can sometimes show if someone has, or might develop, an inherited disease. It can also be used to find out a child's biological parents.

Genetic screening can also include other tests, like biochemical tests. These tests look for signs of genetic diseases or changes in genes that might increase the risk of developing a health problem later on. Most of the time, these tests are used to find changes linked to conditions that are passed down through families.

The results of a genetic test can help doctors confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition. They can also help a person understand their chance of developing a condition or passing it on to their children. There are hundreds of genetic tests available today, and new ones are always being developed.

Why Do People Get Genetic Tests?

People get genetic tests for many reasons. Sometimes, it's because a health condition runs in their family. Other times, it's to help doctors understand a health problem someone already has.

Here are some common reasons for genetic testing:

• Diagnosing a condition: If a doctor thinks someone might have a genetic condition, a test can help confirm it.
• Newborn screening: Babies are often tested shortly after birth for certain serious genetic conditions. Finding these early can help doctors start treatment right away.
• Carrier testing: This test can show if a person carries a gene for a condition that they might pass on to their children, even if they don't have the condition themselves.
• Predictive testing: This test can show if a person has a higher chance of developing certain conditions later in life, like some types of cancer.
• Pharmacogenomics: This type of testing helps doctors choose the best medicines and doses for a person based on their genes.

What About Support and Privacy?

Getting genetic test results can sometimes bring up big questions or feelings. Because of this, genetic testing is often done with the help of genetic counselling.

Genetic counselors are special helpers who can:

• Explain what genetic tests are and what they can tell you.
• Help you understand your test results.
• Talk about any worries or questions you might have.
• Connect you with support groups or other resources.

They make sure you have all the information and support you need to understand your genetic health. Your privacy is also very important when it comes to genetic information.

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  Total cost of sequencing a human genome as calculated by the NHGRI