As per the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), The ‘Genetic Testing’ initiative, following a successful pilot phase in 2022, aims to help couples make informed health decisions and prevent the transmission of genetic diseases to future generations.
The test, available at 22 centres across Abu Dhabi, screens for 570 genes linked to over 840 genetic disorders. With 86% of couples achieving genetic compatibility, the programme supports informed family planning and offers counselling for those at risk.
This step positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in proactive healthcare, leveraging genomics to improve community health and well-being.
Abu Dhabi’s wise decision comes at a time when the global perspective is shifting towards recognizing the ethical responsibility to fully utilize scientific advancements.
Despite the scientific world opening doors to immense possibilities, failing to use these opportunities can lead to children being born with severe genetic disorders, causing lifelong pain not only for the child but also for their parents, families, and society.
The idea of mandatory genetic testing before marriage is complex, and it has both supporters and opponents. However, here are some key info:
Genetic Testing: An Overview
Genetic testing is a technique used to analyze an individual’s DNA, the genetic material that contains information about our traits and characteristics. It involves examining the sequence of DNA to identify variations or mutations that may be associated with certain diseases or conditions.
Diagnosing Genetic Disorders: Genetic testing can help diagnose inherited diseases or conditions caused by mutations in genes, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington’s disease. Identifying these conditions early on enables appropriate medical interventions and care.
Carrier Testing: This type of testing identifies individuals who carry a gene for a recessive disorder, even if they do not exhibit symptoms. This information is crucial for couples planning to have children, as it can help them assess the likelihood of passing the disorder to their offspring.
Prenatal Testing: During pregnancy, genetic testing can assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the fetus. This enables parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and consider necessary preparations or interventions.
Newborn Screening: Many countries have newborn screening programs that utilize genetic testing to detect certain conditions early in life. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and interventions, which can improve long-term health outcomes for the child.
Predictive Testing: Predictive genetic testing assesses an individual’s risk of developing a genetic disease in the future, even if they do not currently exhibit any symptoms. This type of testing can inform preventive measures and lifestyle choices.
Key Benefits of Genetic Testing
Prevention of Genetic Disorders: Genetic testing can identify carriers of recessive genetic disorders. If both partners are carriers, there is a higher risk that their children may inherit the disorder. Knowing this in advance enables couples to make informed decisions about family planning.
Informed Decision-Making: Genetic testing provides couples crucial information about potential health risks for their future children. This allows them to make well-informed choices about whether or not to have children, considering the genetic risks involved.
Reducing the Burden of Genetic Diseases: By identifying and addressing genetic disorders before they manifest, genetic testing can help reduce the overall burden of these diseases on society. Early detection allows for timely intervention and planning, improving health outcomes and quality of life for future generations.
Some Concerns
Ethical Concerns: Some emotional critics argue that mandatory genetic testing infringes on personal privacy and bodily autonomy, raising questions about the right to make personal health decisions.
Potential for Discrimination: There is a concern that genetic information could be misused to discriminate against individuals or couples, particularly in areas such as employment or insurance.
Cost and Accessibility: Implementing a mandatory genetic testing program could be costly, and access to testing might not be equally available to all individuals, potentially leading to disparities in healthcare.
How Accurate is Genetic Testing?
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) leverages world-class technology to deliver highly reliable results. As a result, most genetic tests are extremely accurate, with rates typically ranging from 90% to 99%, especially for well-understood genetic disorders. This ensures individuals receive trustworthy information, empowering them to make confident, informed health decisions.
However, it is important to note that:
- Screening vs. Diagnostic: Genetic screening tests (such as premarital tests) are designed to assess risk and may not be 100% conclusive. Diagnostic tests are more specific and generally more accurate.
- Interpretation: Test results often require expert interpretation, as they may indicate a higher risk for a condition rather than confirm its presence.
- False Positives/Negatives: In some rare cases, genetic tests can produce false positives (indicating a risk when there is none) or false negatives (failing to detect a genetic mutation).Top of Form
In countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, premarital genetic testing is not legally required. However, individuals with a family history of genetic disorders often choose genetic counseling and voluntary testing. In contrast, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran have made certain essential genetic tests mandatory to help prevent specific genetic disorders, contributing to a reduction in the occurrence of complex genetic conditions in newborns.
Abu Dhabi’s initiative to integrate genetic testing is a groundbreaking step toward safeguarding future families from the hardships of hereditary conditions. By empowering couples to make informed decisions, this forward-thinking approach will help create healthier generations, ensuring a brighter and more responsible future for all.
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