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Testing
 Genetic
tests are administered to determine if the patient has
a genetic disorder. All that is required for the test
is a blood sample. Although this may sound simple, hearing
the results of genetic tests can cause devastating damage.
A person or family may want a genetic test performed if
they feel that they or their children might have an inherited
disease.
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Risks:
1. Some diseases are uncurable--psychologically
shattering.
2. Many employers
won’t hire you--discrimination.
3. Many insurance companies won’t give you a
policy if you’ve been tested--afraid of the money
they may have to spend on you.
4. You may learn your kids have a disease.
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Benefits:
1. If disease is curable, you can cure it!
2. You may learn
your kids don’t have it.
3. By getting tested, you’re taking action.
4. You may prevent premature death.
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Counseling
Genetic
counseling allows parents, or couples planning to be parents,
to examine the possible risks of giving birth to a child
with a genetic disorder. Genetic counselors look at the
client’s pedigree (genetic history) to determine if the
couple is at high risk. Usually, only couples with a high
risk history, a child who already has a genetic disorder,
and women over the age of 35 need to be tested.
 
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