Genetics assignment

Genetics Assignment
Student’s Name
University Affiliation

Genetics Assignment
Genetic Tests Before Conception
Tests such as the Counsyl Family Prep Screen 2.0 which is designed to determine the presence of lethal genes for over 105 genetic conditions can be used before conception. 23andMe tests are also commonly used in pre-pregnancy genetic tests and can determine lethal genes in the saliva of the parents.
The use of the Counsyl Family Prep Screen provides detailed information on the genetic situation of both parents. The test can detect the presence of recessive genes for cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and even enzyme deficiency syndromes. The use of the 23andMe test also helps in diagnosing the presence of genetic conditions or identifying risky genes mutations common with cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia among other disorders.
The Counsyl test is based on the full genome sequencing applications that are increasingly being applied in genetic testing. Blood collected is used for genomic DNA isolation which is subsequently sequenced and analyzed for exome mutations that can be inherited and increase risks of disorders (Saukko, 2004). The 23andMe test is noninvasive and uses parent saliva which can easily be conducted without visiting a hospital. The test also applies whole genome sequencing using epithelial cells from the saliva.
The Counsyl test is relatively expensive, with an average of $995 per test for a single parent and an additional $775 if both parents are to be involved.

23andMe is much cheaper and also convenient with an estimated cost of $99 per parent.
Based on the information provided, I would prefer the 23andMe test. With this test, blood is replaced with saliva making it less invasive. It is also ten times cheaper than Counsyl with an average cost of less than $100 for both parents.
The results of the two tests may inform the decision of how many children to have. If some lethal genes are detected, the tests can help in deciding whether to get the help of a genetic counselor or not.
Post-Conception Genetic Tests
During pregnancy, some genetic tests have been developed that can be applied. During this stage, genetic screening is divided into the trimesters of the pregnancy. Common first-trimester genetic tests include amniocentesis which allows for the use of the amnion fluid for genetic testing. In the second trimester, tests such as alpha-fetoprotein screening are used. The screen allows for detection of Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
Common conditions that can be detected using the method include Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and 13 and Turner syndrome (Saukko, 2004). Amniocentesis can also be used for testing for other genetic conditions such as sickle cell, muscular dystrophy and Tay-Sachs diseases. For the Alpha-fetoprotein test, similar chromosomal disorders can still be detected.
Amniocentesis is conducted by obtaining amnion fluid from the fetus of the mother using aseptic methods and guided by ultrasound screening. The sample is used for laboratory tests to detect different conditions, including genetic abnormalities. For the AFP, a blood sample is obtained, and the levels of the protein are determined in the pregnant mother.
Amniocentesis is an expensive test and depending on the insurance arrangements, require from $1000 to $7200 to be conducted (Saukko, 2004). On the other hand, AFP is much cheaper, ranging from $15 to $132 depending on the health insurance arrangement.
While the AFP test is much less compared to amniocentesis, it provides less information on the genetic disorders potentially presented. Therefore, I will opt for amniocentesis due to its comprehensive nature and ability to map multiple conditions in the unborn fetus.
The results of the tests can help parents decide whether to initiate prenatal treatments or even terminate the pregnancy. With emerging genome editing technologies, some of the disorders can be corrected through stem cell editing.
Consideration for Scientists and Lawyers
In the development and application of new genetic technologies, scientists and lawyers must consider the inherent ethical issues that arise. Most of the current post-conception genetic screening lead to termination of pregnancies due to lack of an affordable and reliable method to treat the conditions before birth (Saukko, 2004). Scientists and lawyers must, therefore, consider the ethical implications of the technological advancements in the area.

Reference
Saukko, P. (2004). Genomic susceptibility-testing and pregnancy: something old, something new. New Genetics & Society, 23(3), 313-325. doi:10.1080/1463677042000305075