Genetic screening involves testing individuals to identify those at higher risk of genetic disorders. It determines risk of having or passing on such disorders. There are three main types: prenatal screening of fetuses, carrier screening, and newborn screening. Prenatal screening uses techniques like amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and ultrasound to detect fetal abnormalities. Carrier screening identifies risk of recessive disorders. Newborn screening tests for conditions like phenylketonuria. Genetic screening provides information but also risks anxiety and lack of treatments. It should only be performed when the condition is serious and diagnostic methods adequate.

2. •Systematic application of testing designed to
identify individuals in a given population who are at
higher risk of having or developing a particular
disorder of or having a gene mutation for a particular
disorder.
•Newest and most sophisticated of the techniques
used to test for genetic disorders.
•One of the fastest moving fields in medical science.
•Determines the risk of having or passing on a genetic
disorder.

3. • Used to detect faulty or abnormal genes in an
organism.
• Detect some genes related to an increased risk of
cancer.
• Detect some genes known to cause genetic
disorders.

4. CRITERIAS
Genetic screening should not be performed
unless a number of conditions are met.
1. Condition to be screened for should be
serious.
2. Diagnostic methodology should be
adequate.

5. 3.The condition must be sufficiently frequent
to make the programme economically feasible.
4. The individual identified as at risk must have
.
some options, preferably either effective early
treatments or prenatal diagnosis.

6. TYPES OF SCREENING
There are three principle types of genetic
screening
 Prenatal genetic screening
 Carrier screening
 Newborn screening

7. PRENATAL SCREENING
 Also called as fetal screening
 Prenatal screening identifies disease in fetus.
 It makes possible averting the unwanted birth
of a child with a genetic condition.
The purpose of prenatal diagnosis is to
detect significant defects in fetus.There is
now a variety of techniques,each of which
has unique advantages and disadvantages.

9. Amniocentesis
 Amniocentesis is a surgical tap into the uterus to
obtain amniotic fluid.
 The amniotic fluid can be analyzed to determine the
genetic status of fetus.
 Initially used for the diagnosis of the disease
erythroblastosis fetalis.
 The procedure can be performed at 14 weeks
gestation or later. It is most commonly done
between 15-19 weeks.

10. • Currently the most common indication for genetic
amniocentesis is an increased abnormalities in the
fetus.
• Helpful in diagnosis of open fetal defects such as
neural tube or ventral wall defects.
• Early amniocentesis is generally defined as
amniocentesis less then 14 weeks of gestation which
may lead to high risk of pregnancy loss.

11. Chorionic Villus Sampling
 Chorionic Villus Sampling is a procedure for
placental biopsy.
 It is the removal of a piece of chorion,the outer
tissue surrounding the embryo.
 The tissue sample is used to analyze
chromosome ,biochemical and DNA status.
 Chorionic Villus Sampling for common genetic
indications is performed at 10-12 weeks of
gestation.

12. Percutaneous Umbilical Blood
Sampling(PUBS)
 It is a fetal blood sample test that takes
measurements of fetus blood
components.
 These results are used to clarify other test
results.

13. Ultra sonogram
 One of the most common screening procedures
during pregnancy.
 A transducer sends a sound wave that provides a
picture of the fetus.
 The procedure is used to date the
pregnancy,assess structure and position of the
fetus.

14. Maternal serum markers
alpha fetoprotein is most abundant globular serum
protein fetus. Large amounts of AFP are found in
fetal blood and fetal tissues. Increased or
decreased levels of AFP may indicate a variety of
fetal abnormalities.
Decreased levels of unconjugated oestrol and the
increased levels of human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG) are associated with fetal
Down syndrome.

15. •Combining information from these markers provides
a more accurate estimate of fetal Down syndrome
risk than any one factor alone.
•This is commonly offered to patients at
approximately 15-18 weeks of pregnancy.

16. Pre-implantation
 Also called pre-implantation genetic
diagnosis(PGD),is a specialized technique that
can reduce the risk of having a child with a
particular genetic or chromosomal disorder.
 It is used to detect genetic changes in embryos
that were created using assisted reproductive
techniques such as in-vitro fertilization.

17. CARRIER SCREENING
 The usual purpose in identifying carriers is to
detect a risk for having a child with a serious
recessive disease.
 In the united states, pregnant women are
commonly offered carrier screening for sickle
trait if African American or latina,thalassaemia
trait if mediterranean,asian or African American
origin and Tay-sachs trait if Jewish.

18. • If the women proves to be a carrier, screening is
offered to father of the fetus, if he too is a carrier,
prenatal diagnosis is offered.

19. NEWBORN SCREENING
 New born screening is used just after birth to
identify genetic disorders that can be used early in
life.
 Blood sample is tested for genetic disorders.
 All states currently test infants for phenylketonuria
and congenital hypothyroidism.
 Benefits-reduced morbidity and mortality of
children and cost savings to society.
 Risks-parental anxiety about false positive results,
harm that causes parent-child relationship.

20. BENEFITS
 It provides a sense of relief from uncertainity and
help people make informed decisions about
managing their health care.
 For eg:negative result: can eliminate need for
unnecessary checkups and screening tests in
some cases.
 Positive result: can direct a person toward
available prevention, monitoring an treatment
options.

21. Limitations
 Risk of losing pregnancy because they require a
sample of amniotic fluid or tissue from around
the fetus.
 Involves emotionl,social or financial
consequences of the test results.
 Provide only limited informations about
inherited conditions.
 Lack of treatment strategies for many genetic
disorders once they are diagnosed.

22. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
 Should be voluntary
 Only newborn screening for serious genetic
diseases is commonly mandated.
 Screenee should make an informed choice, he
should be informed about not just the benefits
but also the risks and limitations.
 Test result should be confidential
 Both the biomedical community and the public
need to acquire a better understanding of
human genetics