B13.10 Screening for genetic disorders

Question 1

What is the purpose of IVF?

Answer 1

In vitro fertilisation can allow embryos to be screened before they are implanted in the mother

Question 2

What is Amniocentesis?

Answer 2

Carried out at around 15-16 weeks in pregnancy - involves taking some of the fluid around the developing fetus
Fluids contains fetal cells which can be used for genetic screening

Question 3

What is Chorionic villus sampling?

Answer 3

Done between 10-12 weeks - by taking a small sample of tissue from the developing placenta - be used for genetic screening

Question 4

How is the embryo tested?

Answer 4

DNA is isolated from the embryo cells and tested for a specific disorders

Question 5

What is the concern for the screening procedures?

Answer 5

Might give a false positive or a false negative - and then can lead to a termination of a healthy pregnancy

Question 6

What are the issues for screening?

Answer 6

Economic - expensive
Social - health-care
Ethical - Morals