Diagnostic and Genetic Testing Procedures

Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis

Genetic testing is defined as a diagnostic process that is carried out on individuals suspected to be at high risks of some inherited genetic disease as evidenced in family history. This procedure is not carried out because the individual belongs to a high risk population and involves comprehensive analysis of gene products, chromosomes, and DNA. Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a diagnostic process that is utilized to predict the likelihood of a baby to have certain genetic disorder ("Ethical Issues in Genetic Testing," 2008).

Prenatal genetic diagnosis has become a common and important practice in attempts to predict and deal with certain genetic diseases in children. Since its one of the common practices during prenatal care, the techniques utilized in prenatal genetic diagnosis have challenged the traditional conception of justice (Denier, 2010, p.102). This is possible because PGD does not consider natural inequalities among individuals to be morally arbitrary. PDG challenges the widespread notion that justice is centered on agency with directing ability, with things under human control and with occurrences from individual or societal actions. In essence, PDG challenges traditional conception of justice on the premise that natural no longer needs to be something beyond human control.

Techniques of prenatal genetic diagnosis are said to have the capability to transform a brute luck situation into one of option luck for parents even though it doesn't change anything for the child (Denier, 2010, p.111). This occurs in cases where prospective parents are faced with whether or not to terminate a pregnancy of a disabled child. If the parents choose not to terminate the pregnancy but develop capacity to care for the handicapped child, PDG techniques therefore change to brute luck situation of giving birth to a disabled child into an option luck situation that entails choice.

DTC Genetic Testing

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing is a diagnostic procedure that has generated considerable attention in the recent past. This procedure has become a major issue among scientists, policymakers, professional groups, and the media. The demand for DTC genetic testing is seemingly fueled by increased public interest in personal genetic risk information though the reasons for public demand for these services is largely unclear. However, DTC genetic testing is testing that is provided to consumers through the Internet, television, and other marketing channels (Su, 2013, p.359). This testing is utilized for various purposes including identity-seeking, searching for better lifestyle, curiosity-oriented testing, and disease risk-testing. DTC genetic testing is tests conducted for gene variants that indicate different characteristics like vulnerability to diseases, certain physical attributes, and genetic mutations. Once a DTC testing kit is purchased, it is used to collect DNA sample, which is then mailed back to the laboratory where tests are carried out. The consumer is then notified of their genetic results through mail or any other suitable channel, which may sometimes involve explanations by a genetic counselor.