2009 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2009. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

345
I'm 14. Would I be able to get tested to see if I'm a carrier of genetic diseases like Tay Sacs, ALD, etc.? What would the process of getting my DNA read be like?
     Jennifer Sloan, M.S., Ph.D., C.G.C.: I am involved in genetic counseling, as well as studying the very rare metabolic condition Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA), and the more common condition Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1). Yes it is possible for you to have carrier testing however we like to wait until someone is 18 or considering having a family. Carrier testing is available for specific genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, tay sachs etc. We are all carriers for 10+ conditions. Most carrier testing is offered based on a person ethnic background and also family history. Testing for all genes is not clinically available. The process of getting your DNA read involves sending a blood sample to a laboratory.
Creative and Performing Arts High School in PA (9th grade student)

< View ALL questions and answers from 2009



(short, single keywords work best at first)