Diagnostic Genetic Testing

Over the last decade, technical advances have allowed genomic testing which provides a great opportunity for diagnosis but also an increased chance of uncertain or unexpected findings. This book addresses many of the questions that arise in this context and summarizes the essential concepts in diagnostic genetic testing in an easy-to-read manner. It also covers some broad context for the practical and ethical implications of examining human DNA sequences. The book starts with a general introduction to the field, providing enough background to allow readers without any previous education in genetics to comprehend the material in the subsequent chapters. The main part explores differing aspects of human genetics and the wider implications of testing in these areas. The author covers not only single gene inheritance, but also genetic testing of cancers and how testing benefits the patients. Special emphasis is also given to the questions of genetics and identity. The concluding part then draws the main themes together and summarises the wider significance of genetics. It also explores the gap between promises made for the impact of advances in genetics, and the actual benefits to patients. The book is written for everyone interested to learn about the process of genetic testing and the broader implications. Moreover, it is aimed at health professionals with an interest in genetics, at students or scientific trainees looking for an introduction to diagnostic genetics, and at professionals in health policy or health journalism.

Advances in genetics and genomics are transforming medical practice, resulting in a dramatic growth of genetic testing in the health care system. The rapid development of new technologies, however, has also brought challenges, including the need for rigorous evaluation of the validity and utility of genetic tests, questions regarding the best ways to incorporate them into medical practice, and how to weigh their cost against potential short- and long-term benefits. As the availability of genetic tests increases so do concerns about the achievement of meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes, costs of testing, and the potential for accentuating medical care inequality. Given the rapid pace in the development of genetic tests and new testing technologies, An Evidence Framework for Genetic Testing seeks to advance the development of an adequate evidence base for genetic tests to improve patient care and treatment. Additionally, this report recommends a framework for decision-making regarding the use of genetic tests in clinical care.

Raising hopes for disease treatment and prevention, but also the specter of discrimination and "designer genes," genetic testing is potentially one of the most socially explosive developments of our time. This book presents a current assessment of this rapidly evolving field, offering principles for actions and research and recommendations on key issues in genetic testing and screening. Advantages of early genetic knowledge are balanced with issues associated with such knowledge: availability of treatment, privacy and discrimination, personal decision-making, public health objectives, cost, and more. Among the important issues covered: Quality control in genetic testing. Appropriate roles for public agencies, private health practitioners, and laboratories. Value-neutral education and counseling for persons considering testing. Use of test results in insurance, employment, and other settings.

This completely revised and updated second edition to integrates the many new technologies and insights now available for the diagnosis of genetic diseases. The authors use such methodologies as PCR optimization dosage analysis, mutation scanning, and quantitative fluorescent PCR for aneuploidy analysis, Neurofibromatosis type 1, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These largely generic methodologies may be adapted to most genetic conditions for which a molecular diagnosis is relevant, no matter how frequent or rare their incidence. Molecular Diagnosis of Genetic Diseases, Second Edition offers diagnostic molecular geneticists a unique opportunity to sharpen their scientific skills in the design of assays, their execution, and their interpretation.

Different genetic diagnostic and treatment options are used worldwide to improve routine IVF procedures for the benefit of patients. This handbook updates the new genetic diagnostic technologies that have been translated to practice aiming to improve outcomes in the clinic and have a healthy baby at home. Chapters cover the use of genetic technologies in a personalized manner to unravel the possible genetic risks for the couple wishing to conceive, in terms of sperm, the embryo, the endometrium, miscarriage, and finally the fetus.

This Technical Brief collects and summarizes information on genetic tests clinically available in the United States to detect genetic markers that predispose to DDs. It also identifies, but does not systematically review, existing evidence addressing the tests' clinical utility. This Brief primarily focuses on patients with idiopathic or unexplained DDs, particularly intellectual disability, global developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder. Several better-defined DD syndromes, including Angelman syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Rett syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Smith-Magenis syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome, and Williams syndrome are also included. Patient-centered health outcomes (e.g., functional or symptomatic improvement) and intermediate outcomes (e.g., changes in clinical decisions or family reproductive decisions, the tests' diagnostic accuracy and analytic validity) are examined.

Molecular Diagnostics, Third Edition, focuses on the technologies and applications that professionals need to work in, develop, and manage a clinical diagnostic laboratory. Each chapter contains an expert introduction to each subject that is next to technical details and many applications for molecular genetic testing that can be found in comprehensive reference lists at the end of each chapter. Contents are divided into three parts, technologies, application of those technologies, and related issues. The first part is dedicated to the battery of the most widely used molecular pathology techniques. New chapters have been added, including the various new technologies involved in next-generation sequencing (mutation detection, gene expression, etc.), mass spectrometry, and protein-specific methodologies. All revised chapters have been completely updated, to include not only technology innovations, but also novel diagnostic applications. As with previous editions, each of the chapters in this section includes a brief description of the technique followed by examples from the area of expertise from the selected contributor. The second part of the book attempts to integrate previously analyzed technologies into the different aspects of molecular diagnostics, such as identification of genetically modified organisms, stem cells, pharmacogenomics, modern forensic science, molecular microbiology, and genetic diagnosis. Part three focuses on various everyday issues in a diagnostic laboratory, from genetic counseling and related ethical and psychological issues, to safety and quality management. Presents a comprehensive account of all new technologies and applications used in clinical diagnostic laboratories Explores a wide range of molecular-based tests that are available to assess DNA variation and changes in gene expression Offers clear translational presentations by the top molecular pathologists, clinical chemists, and molecular geneticists in the field