|
HealthTales.com |
|
| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Genetic tests are tests on blood and other tissue to find genetic disorders. About 900 such tests are available. Doctors use genetic tests for several reasons. These include
People have many different reasons for being tested or not being tested. For many, it is important to know whether a disease can be prevented or treated if a gene alteration is found. In some cases, there is no treatment. But test results might help a person make life decisions, such as career choice, family planning or insurance coverage. A genetic counselor can provide information about the pros and cons of testing.
National Human Genome Research Institute
'''Genetic testing''' allows the genetic diagnosis of vulnerabilities to inherited diseases, and can also be used to determine a person's ancestry. Every person carries two copies of every gene, one inherited from their mother, one inherited from their father. The human genome is believed to contain about 25,000 genes. In addition to studying chromosomes to the level of individual genes, genetic testing in a broader sense includes biochemical tests for the presence or absence of key proteins that signal aberrant genes. Genetic testing usually involves examining a person's DNA - taken from cells in a sample of blood or, occasionally, from other body fluids or tissues - for some anomaly that flags a disease or disorder. The DNA change can be relatively large: a missing or added piece of a chromosome - even an entire chromosome - that is visible under a microscope. Or it can be extremely small, as little as one extra, missing, or altered chemical base. Genes can be overexpressed (too many copies), inactivated, or lost altogether. Sometimes, pieces of chromosomes become switched, or transposed, so that a gene ends up in a location where it is permanently and inappropriately turned on or off. Since genetic testing may open up ethical or psychological problems, genetic testing is often accompanied by genetic counseling. Some possible future ethical problems of genetic testing were dramatised in the science fiction film ''Gattaca''. ''See also:'' DNA fingerprinting, Genetic counseling [ Read More ]
CSL Proficiency Testing Group - Describes schemes for food analysis, including acrylamide content, genetically modifed material analysis assessment, and microbe analysis. Run by the United Kingdom Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Personality theory on Horney's Role of Narcissism - Novel approach to personality testing by A.M. Benis, M.D., based on the "genetic" traits of narcissism, perfectionism and aggression.
Indian 'Jews' resist DNA tests to prove they are a lost tribe - From the Telegraph, members of a remote community of Indians who claim to be descendants of one of the 10 lost tribes of Israel are resisting plans to carry out genetic tests to prove their Jewishness.
Genetic testing reveals awkward truth about Xinjiang’s famous mummies - From Khaleej Times, after years of controversy and political intrigue, archaeologists using genetic testing have proven that Caucasians roamed the Tarim Basin 1,000 years before East Asian people arrived.
Molecular Staging, Inc. - Company promoting diagnostic tests for genetic analysis; rolling circle amplification technology (RCAT), developed for amplifying signals from DNA, RNA and proteins, from Westport, CT.
Lark Technologies - Offers GLP facility for contract and analytical services in DNA sequencing, genotyping and genetically modified organism testing for recombinant technologies. Corporate and investors' overview, and ordering from Europe and their base in Houston, TX.
Synergene Biotechnology Group - DNA genetics diagnostic laboratory launched Jan'2002, offers commercial DNA sequencing, genetic identification, clinical tests for genetic disorders and custom based research in Belgium and Malta.
MIT's Biology Hypertextbook - Contains sections on chemistry review, large molecules. cellular biology, enzyme biochemistry, glycolysis and the Krebs cycle and photosynthesis. Includes practice quizzes and tests. Mendelian Genetics Central Dogma Prokaryotic Genetics and Gene Expression Recombinant DNA Immunology
Genomics and Disease Prevention - Collection of research articles aimed at human genomic discoveries. Includes public health reports and genetic testing.
Horse Genetics - Contains information on gene mapping, coat color, cytogenetics, and parentage testing. From the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.