Genetic Testing and

Screening
LO: to be able to explain
what is a genetic test and
screening is
Starter: would you
terminate your
pregnancy if you knew
your child had a
genetic disease?

Genetic Testing
This is used to look for alleles that cause
genetic disorders. Genetic tests can also
be used to make a decision about whether
a pregnancy should be continued or not.
It is important to realise that the tests are
not always reliable. In a few cases the
genes are not detected. This is called a
false negative. The test only looks for
common DNA errors in the faulty CF gene.
False positive tests happen to technical
failure of the test.

Who decides?
governments
NHS trusts
What are the costs of
testing everyone?
What are the benefits of
testing everyone?
Is it better to spend the
money on other things?

Should people be able to do

home testing kits?
What will this lead too?
1) How can the genetic
testing of adults prevent
the birth of babies
affected with genetic
diseases?
2) What do you think the
advantages and
disadvantages of testing
adults?

Who has the right to your

results?
Your partner? Your family? Your boss? Your
insurance company?

The
Future!

Should there be a DNA

database?

Review Learning:
LO: to be able to
explain what is a
genetic test and
screening is