What is clinical genetics?
Clinical genetics: definition and possible applications
Clinical genetics is the discipline that deals with the diagnosis and medical treatment of genetic diseases . Therefore, it is a specific branch of health that offers the means to alleviate or minimize the effects of these conditions.
It should be noted that, as in other fields, advances in genetics imply advances in its clinical aspect. This means that we are dealing with a branch of knowledge open to change and the evolution of its professionals. As diagnostic techniques are refined, clinical genetics will become more relevant.
On the other hand, genetic disorders have specific detection systems, as well as treatments and follow-up. It's logical that many institutions already take a comprehensive approach to these conditions to achieve better outcomes and better prospects for those with the condition.
Knowing what types of procedures are carried out in laboratories and hospital genetics units is important, especially if you are affected by these conditions or have a loved one affected by them. These are the main options:
1. Diagnostic clinical genetics
The first and crucial part is diagnosis, and this can be done a priori or a posteriori . Or, to put it another way, you don't have to be already ill to undergo diagnostic genetic testing; it's often for preventive purposes.
The first example is that taking a DNA sample or performing a test can determine whether a disease has a genetic origin or the genetic probability of suffering from a particular condition . The second possibility is the genetic compatibility test, which is used to determine whether two members of a couple are compatible when it comes to having children , either through natural means or assisted reproduction . And, in the case of elite athletes , it is also important to know whether, genetically, there is a certain predisposition to perform better or worse.
To achieve this, it is necessary to have a laboratory equipped with all the diagnostic techniques and specialists in genetic analysis. This requires, for example, the presence of a physician specializing in this field. Although some tests are performed in the public health system, it is much faster to contact a private laboratory, which also offers all the options in less time.
2. Comprehensive advice
Counseling is the second practical application of clinical genetics . A specialist can provide advice in several areas to help you make the best decision. Here are some practical examples of the areas in which they can help:
- Advice on deciding the best technique for having a child . This becomes relevant if a genetic compatibility test has been previously performed and risks have been detected. For example, when deciding how many embryos to implant and whether they can be genetically modified. Or, without going any further, adoption may also be recommended if the genetic incompatibility is very pronounced.
- Advice to help you maintain a healthy diet . It's worth noting that, in some cases, there's a genetic predisposition to certain diseases. Clinical genetics , as well as nutrigenetics , are important here, as they can tell you what type of diet you should follow. This can also be useful for people who participate in sports.
- Counseling for psychoemotional issues. The impact of a genetic condition is profound on the individual's emotional state or on the individual's parents. For this reason, this branch also provides counseling for referrals to other specialists who can provide support and more detailed information about these conditions.
Therefore, counseling, once conclusive genetic information is available, is essential. Not surprisingly, this will serve to direct resources more effectively for all parties involved, and this will sometimes involve working together with other specialists.
3. Treatment
We mustn't forget that some genetic diseases are treatable , but others aren't . This means that the specialist must discuss the possibilities and, based on that, make decisions to minimize problems.
Some treatments are pharmacological , others combine medication with physical therapy exercises , and in others, special importance is placed on what the patient eats . In any case, at this point, it's time to offer possible solutions. Pharmacogenetic testing is also often performed to determine possible reactions to medications and thus reduce risks.
Here, monitoring by a medical professional is essential for prescribing treatment. Specifically, it should be a physician specialized in clinical genetics .
4. Follow-up
The final step , and no less important, is patient follow-up . This can occur in people who have already developed the condition or in those with a high genetic predisposition to suffer from it. Therefore, we are faced with a series of necessary actions to ensure, to the extent possible, the patient's health.
For example, in the preventive field, genetic alterations are more likely to occur in late pregnancy, and something similar happens in people over 60. Likewise, once the disease has already manifested, follow-up is required to see how it progresses or if any therapeutic changes are necessary. In this case, the physician will decide the frequency of follow-up and the tests to be performed; we are therefore talking about a task that must be monitored.
In short, the dimension of follow-up becomes essential in clinical genetics ; it is one more element of the various functions. If there is a disease, or a high risk of suffering from it, follow-up allows situations to be detected and, thus, decisions to be made.
In conclusion…
Clinical genetics incorporates the latest advances to better prevent and treat these types of diseases . Do you need a DNA test, a genetic compatibility test, or a nutrigenetics test? Don't worry, today you can access the latest genetic tests at the best price and with a guarantee of confidentiality. At Genotica , we have the largest database of genetic tests for you to compare in your area. Contact us or try our search engine!