Posts Tagged "Genetic Tests"

Genetic Counseling India- Cost Genetic Counseling- Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling India

If you and your partner are newly pregnant, you may be amazed at the number and variety of prenatal tests available to you. Blood tests, urine tests, monthly medical exams, diet questionnaires, and family history tracking — each helps to assess the health of you and your baby, and to predict any potential health risks. 

Unlike your parents, you may also have the option of genetic testing. These tests identify the likelihood of passing certain genetic diseases or disorders (those caused by a defect in the genes — the tiny, DNA-containing units of heredity that determine the characteristics and functioning of the entire body) to your children.

Some of the more familiar genetic disorders are : -

Down syndrome Cystic fibrosis Sickle cell disease Tay-Sachs disease (a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system)
spina bifida…

What Is Genetic Counseling ?

Genetic counseling is the process of : -

Evaluating family history and medical records Ordering genetic tests Evaluating the results of this investigation Helping parents understand and reach decisions about what to do next

Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. They determine whether you, your partner, or your baby carry genes for certain inherited disorders….

What are Genes ?

Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in pairs in every living cell of our bodies. When the egg and sperm join at conception, half of each chromosomal pair is inherited from each parent. This newly formed combination of chromosomes then copies itself again and again during fetal growth and development, passing identical genetic information to each new cell in the growing fetus.

Current science suggests that human chromosomes carry from 25,000 to 35,000 genes. An error in just one gene (and in some instances, even the alteration of a single piece of DNA) can sometimes be the cause for a serious medical condition….

About Genetic Counselors

Genetic counselors are professionals who have completed a master’s program in medical genetics and counseling skills. They then pass a certification exam administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling….

Please log on to : www.indiahospitaltour.com

Send your query : Get a Quote

We Care Core Values

We have a very simple business model that keeps you as the centre.

Having the industry’s most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent.

Genetic Counseling Abroad At Affordable Cost – Genetic Counseling Cost

Genetic Counseling India

Genetic Counseling

If you and your partner are newly pregnant, you may be amazed at the number and variety of prenatal tests available to you. Blood tests, urine tests, monthly medical exams, diet questionnaires, and family history tracking — each helps to assess the health of you and your baby, and to predict any potential health risks.

Unlike your parents, you may also have the option of genetic testing. These tests identify the likelihood of passing certain genetic diseases or disorders (those caused by a defect in the genes — the tiny, DNA-containing units of heredity that determine the characteristics and functioning of the entire body) to your children.

Some of the more familiar genetic disorders are : -

Down syndrome Cystic fibrosis Sickle cell disease Tay-Sachs disease (a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system)
spina bifida…

What Is Genetic Counseling ?

Genetic counseling is the process of : -

Evaluating family history and medical records Ordering genetic tests Evaluating the results of this investigation Helping parents understand and reach decisions about what to do next

Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. They determine whether you, your partner, or your baby carry genes for certain inherited disorders….

What are Genes ?

Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in pairs in every living cell of our bodies. When the egg and sperm join at conception, half of each chromosomal pair is inherited from each parent. This newly formed combination of chromosomes then copies itself again and again during fetal growth and development, passing identical genetic information to each new cell in the growing fetus.

Current science suggests that human chromosomes carry from 25,000 to 35,000 genes. An error in just one gene (and in some instances, even the alteration of a single piece of DNA) can sometimes be the cause for a serious medical condition….

About Genetic Counselors

Genetic counselors are professionals who have completed a master’s program in medical genetics and counseling skills. They then pass a certification exam administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling….

Please log on to : www.indiahospitaltour.com

Send your query : Get a Quote

We Care Core Values

We have a very simple business model that keeps you as the centre.

Having the industry’s most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent.

9 Uses of Dna Testing

Genetic analysis is gaining popularity quickly and a genetic testing resource as well as information is available widely on the internet, in magazines, as well as in libraries.

Advances in science are finding many uses in the field of health, forensics, and genealogy. While a few years ago genetic testing or DNA testing was limited to governmental and research institutions today any individual can approach a laboratory and get DNA tests done.

Information on DNA testing as well as access to laboratories is available on the internet and people can find resources that are most convenient for them.

DNA or genetic testing has many uses:

1. In archeology DNA tests help record genetic codes and sequences of life on earth many centuries ago. This creates a data base that can be used as a ready reference.

2. Genetic testing is used to determine the paternity of a child . This helps authorities solve legal problems and settle any tussles.

3. DNA testing can be used to create a family tree or genealogical chart. Through genetic data bases one can trace lost relatives or find ancestors. Since the Y chromosome tends to remain unchanged for generations people can use DNA testing to establish ancestral lines.

4. Prenatal genetic tests help doctors determine whether or not the unborn fetus will have certain incurable health problems.

5. DNA tests are also used to help solve murders and other crimes. Often elusive criminals leave a DNA imprint at the scene of crime and testing helps catch them. In recent years many unsolved mysteries have been solved due to new ways of analysis.

6. DNA testing finds great use in the health field as DNA sometimes is the cause of rare medical conditions or heritable diseases.

7. Genetic testing is used in healths checks like that of certain cancers the tests help determine the presence of viruses or cells that have mutated.

8. DNA tests are often used to reunite lost siblings or families. The genetics of a person leaves an indelible mark and this is used by police and authorities as well as individuals to confirm relationships.

9. DNA tests on new species or on material from outer space help scientists and researchers determine the origins of a species and where they stand with reference to known living forms.

As advancements in DNA research have occurred, DNA testing gets more and more advanced to include: genetic fingerprinting, pupil recognition, creation of records of pure breeds, and more. DNA tests are today affordable and cost between USD 100-400 a test. And the conveniences are numerous; a DNA test kit can be ordered through mail order or using the internet. Laboratories all over the world conduct the testing and send the report back by mail.

Information on genetic testing and is advantages and uses is available all over the internet and those who are keen on getting a test done can do so easily using the internet and safe payment gateways.

Life Insurance ? Genetic Tests are Postponed

Life insurance is incredibly important, providing reassurance in the event of your death, contraction of critical illness or terminal illness amongst other things. The policy will provide you and your loved ones with financial support in adverse circumstances.

Topically, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has extended a ban which prevents insurers from using genetic testing to deny cover or increase insurance premiums. The restriction was due to run out in 2011 but has been extended until 2014. People have been worried about taking the tests in case insurance companies used the results against them.

There are fears that these new tests will create a “genetic underclass” that are uninsurable. In order to gain insurance, experts were worried that individuals would avoid taking tests that were important for their health.

The restriction was first agreed with the government in 2001 and states that insurers can only ask customers if they have had the testing I they require a policy to cover them for over £500,000. If the individual requests a policy over this amount then the company is allowed to ask for the test results. These tests are approved by the Government’s Genetics and Insurance Committee who has approved the tests for the brain degenerating Huntington’s disease. According to the Association of British Insurers, only 3% of policies requested in the UK are worth over £500,000.

The ABI states that insurance companies should be allowed access to any information which can help them assess and price fairly, the risk which potential customers may pose. However, the price for cover should be based on sound and extensive information. Customers are encouraged to admit to any diseases or illnesses that they have or have had and that run in the family. By admitting to these illnesses, insurers can price their policies accordingly. If customers do not admit these illnesses on beginning a new policy they may risk the insurance company paying out for more costly claims and pushing up prices for all in the future.

The ABI’s restriction (Moratorium) is designed to balance the concerns of policy holders and potential policy holders with a fair and commercially viable insurance market for all. The evidence insurers may gain from the genetic tests must be of a higher standard and be approved by an independent Government appointed committee.

The point of the Moratorium is to protect the interests of both insurance companies and their prospective customers. Insurance companies will be allowed access to information and customers will not be pressurised into taking these tests.

How Genetic Testing Could Affect Your Life Insurance Premiums

If you have a test taken, to see if you have genes that show you may be at risk of developing a life threatening disease, the British government allows your insurance company to look at the results. Governments in the rest of Europe ceased this as they feared the results could be used by insurers to perhaps increase premiums or even refuse cover altogether.

Unless the insurers develop a voluntary code preventing the use of test results, MPs this week have called on the government to enforce a two year suspension on using them.

Should the test results be private?

The government is concerned that the insurance industry could collapse if genetic test results were kept private.

Why would it collapse?

A major problem in the insurance industry is what the textbooks call “adverse selection”. The likelihood of somebody buying life insurance, if they know they are going to die earlier than expected, is high. They want to know that their families will get some financial help when this happens. If a large amount of high risk people buy insurance they may not live long enough to cover the payout with their premiums.

Therefore, to make up for losses insurers will have to raise premiums thus having a negative effect on how insurance looks to a person with a normal life expectancy. Soon only high risk people will buy insurance and the good risks driven out of the market altogether. Eventually the market would crumple as it is only lucrative when the high and low risks are shared.

Is this happening?

At the moment, as genetic testing is in its early stages, adverse selection is mainly a speculative issue. The government only considers one test to be precise enough for insurers to use. In the last three years one insurance company has sold 460,000 policies but say genetic tests would only be applicable to 14.With developments in testing being so rapid and the industry wanting to use more tests, the problem will soon become real.

What can be done to solve it?

To stop the market from collapsing the government seems to have decided to allow the industry to view results. This however could create a genetic “underclass” of people who are not capable of getting insurance. People who get clean test results could be offered better rates than those at risk thereby making it unaffordable for them. Shockingly, tests that one day could perhaps save lifes could be discouraged as it may make insurance unobtainable.

What could be done to stop genetic tests being used to discriminate against people?

To solve the problem totally the life insurance industry would have to be made public. This would prevent good risks opting for cheaper deals and high risks bankrupting insurers. These days that is not a popular solution to market failure. The alternative would be for the government to insure the high risks, which would be costly.

What else could be done?

Before people took tests they could be required to take out insurance. Doing this would not stop people doing tests nor allow insurers to take advantage of test results thus damaging the market.

Whatever happens the government is going to have to play a bigger part in the life insurance market.