Universal Prenatal Test to ID 15K Genetic Conditions
June 30, 2009 by Grace Ibay
Filed under Health
Will a new prenatal genetic test create designer babies? That’s one of the questions raised as news that a universal embryo test could be available next year.
The current method for prenatal genetic testing involves either amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to get embryo fluids or placenta cells from a pregnant woman’s abdomen. The placenta or placental fluids contain cells generated by the fetus. These cells are used to identify chromosomal abnormalities that can affect a baby’s survival or capacity at birth. Prenatal genetic tests are mainly used to provide information to the parents about their unborn child’s genetic condition before birth, so they can make informed decisions and manage the pregnancy better.
Unfortunately, the current methods are invasive and tests can take up to a month before results are known. And these tests don’t provide information about other genetic conditions that don’t show up on chromosome changes.
Today, a BBC report reveals that a “universal embryo test” may soon provide information on 15,000 genetic conditions… at least and for the meantime, in theory. The test is called “Karyomapping” which looks for abnormalities in the fetus’ DNA by comparing his genome with the parents. The technique maps all of the fetal chromosomes, so it can check for any gene before the baby is born, or even years after birth. The technique can potentially identify non-life-threatening genetic conditions, and so open a possibility for creating “designer babies”. Hence, once the test is approved for use, only a number of conditions – usually life-threatening - will be allowed to be tested using karypmapping. For now.
Image: sxc
