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Biology-Related Homework Help Genetics and Developmental Biology Topic started by: x-bio-x on Oct 14, 2016



Title: Describe a technological procedure that could be used to determine the genetic condition of a fetus
Post by: x-bio-x on Oct 14, 2016
Could someone please help me with this question?

Also, for the second part of the question it asks to whom a genetic counsellor would recommend this procedure... I thought it would be to older women who have a higher risk of getting children with a genetic disorder, is that right?


Title: Re: Describe a technological procedure that could be used to determine the genetic condition of a ...
Post by: bolbol on May 23, 2023
Preimplantation testing, also called preimplantation 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 (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF)

All pregnant women do it specially the ones age 35+ and have genetic history.

Doctors usually offer to do blood tests to measure markers for chromosomal abnormalities as part of routine prenatal care. However, some couples decide not to have any testing done. Other couples, such as those with a high risk of certain disorders, may skip these blood tests and proceed directly to invasive prenatal genetic testing (such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis).

If women decide to have chorionic villus sampling, doctors usually advise them to also have a blood test to measure the level of a marker called alpha-fetoprotein (a protein produced by the fetus). Measuring the alpha-fetoprotein level helps doctors determine the risk of brain or spinal cord birth defects (neural tube defects), such as spina bifida. Chorionic villus sampling does not give this information.

Markers are usually measured at 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy (1st-trimester screening). Other markers are measured at 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy (2nd-trimester screening).