The advantages for genetic testing are the ability to find out if a couple planning to have children may have a gene that is found in both that could be pasted on to a child. Genetic testing diseases, allows scientists to evaluate the abnormal gene and do studies and research as well, which at some time may prove beneficial in finding cures or drugs to control the disease.

Testing for Muscular dystrophy, colon cancer and some of the chromosomal abnormalities like Turner’s syndrome or Downs syndrome is beneficial not only for the health of a person, but for science as well. The advantage of genetic testing allows the ability to study the human genetics; scientists have the ability to test new drugs, treatments and other types of research programs beneficial to preventing genetic abnormalities.

The earlier years of genetic testing were to detect aberrations with a method known as Karyotyping. Today DNA provides a better understanding of heredity and provides a better understanding of diseases being passed down to other family members. There are some advantages of genetic testing, if your family history shows a specific disease, you can have genetic testing to see if to have the gene that makes you a carrier or prone to develop the disease.

Chromosomal Disorders and Single-Gene Disorders

Chromosomal disorders are made up of protein and DNA in the nucleus of the cell. If there is, an abnormality in the structure of the chromosomal, disease is present. Monogenic disorders commonly known as single gene disorders, is caused when mutation occurs in the DNA. More than six thousand monogenic disorders exist such as sickle cell anemia and Marfan syndrome.

Polygenic, Multifactorial Disorders and Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial disorder is a rare disorder that occurs when changes in the DNA are found. This is usually passes from mother to her unborn child. Polygenic and multifactorial disorders are caused when a combination of environmental and genes show signs of mutation and causes such disorders as cancer high blood pressure and heart disease.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing diseases allows for diagnosis of many different types of disorders and allows people to no if they are a carrier or afflicted with the disease. The gene does not cause the specific disease the disease is caused by the mutation of the gene. There are many types of genetic testing such as carrier screening, diagnosis testing, fetus screening and prenatal screening to name a few. These tests are done with blood, amniotic fluid, hair, semen, skin or bone marrow.

If someone tests positive for a genetic disorder, more tests may be required. A molecular study is preformed if a single gene disorder is found. Today, with the use of DNA, more studies are preformed than earlier years when science was less than perfect for genetic testing diseases.