Genetic testing and Screening

Genetic testing examines an individual’s DNA to identify mutations or variations linked to health conditions, traits, or diseases, while Genetic screening is used to detect individuals at risk for genetic disorders in populations, often before symptoms appear. Key types include diagnostic testing to confirm suspected genetic disorders, carrier screening to identify individuals carrying recessive mutations, and prenatal testing to assess the risk of genetic conditions in a fetus. Predictive and presymptomatic testing detects mutations indicating future diseases like Huntington’s, while pharmacogenomic testing helps tailor drug treatments based on genetic differences. Genetic testing has applications in personalized medicine, disease risk prediction, family planning, and newborn screening. Technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Whole Genome Sequencing, and CRISPR advance genetic testing, offering more precise healthcare solutions.