British scientists have successfully tested a new screening technique that can quickly and very early detect genetic disorders that may affect a child’s health after birth.
This new technique utilizes and analyzes traces of DNA taken from a single cell of the fetus, rather than searching for mutated genes as in previous testing methods. It boasts a higher reliability and can be used for many more couples, as the DNA indicators are much easier to identify compared to detecting mutated genes. With this new technique, the risk of misdiagnosis drops to less than 1% in most cases.
According to Dr. Alison Lashwood: “Many families are affected by genetic diseases, but with early fetal screening, these can be avoided. This is not about designing babies, but rather it will help couples have healthy children who are not affected by illness.”
However, currently, this new testing technique is only applicable to embryos conceived through in vitro fertilization.
