Genetic tests

New Genetic Tests Improves Pregnancy Rates in Older Women

harminka — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:24:53 -0500

A new test examining chromosomes in human eggs few hours after fertilisation can identify those that are capable of forming a healthy baby, a researcher told the 25th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Dr. Elpida Fragouli, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, UK, said that her team's work had already enabled seven ongoing pregnancies in a group of older women with a history of multiple failed IVF attempts.

Genetic test for spinal muscular atrophy should be offered to all couples

harminka — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:47:03 -0600

Carrier screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)—a serious genetic disease affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 infants that causes progressive muscle weakness and death—should be made available to all families, according to a new practice guideline issued by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG).

Clue to genetic cause of fatal birth defect

harminka — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:28:54 -0500

A novel enzyme may play a major role in anencephaly, offering hope for a genetic test or even therapy for the rare fatal birth defect in which the brain fails to develop, according to a study from researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine.

Consumers call for more government oversight of commercial genetic tests

harminka — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:05:24 -0500

With its promises of improved diagnostic and treatment outcomes for arthritis, breast cancer, and other conditions, genetic testing is on a trajectory to becoming a mainstay of the healthcare system.

Genetic test improves artificial fertilization

harminka — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 06:55:19 -0500

Polar body diagnosis can make artificial fertilization more successful, according to Katrin and Hans van der Ven and Markus Montag of Bonn University Clinic, writing in the current edition of Deutsches Дrzteblatt International (Dtsch Arztebl Int 2008; 105[11]: 190-6).

Direct-to-consumer advertising for genetic tests concerns physicians

harminka — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:57:32 -0600

Direct-to-consumer advertising for commercial genetic testing is on the rise and may be problematic, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) physician. In the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Erin Tracy, MD, MPH, warns that such testing is poorly regulated and may present potential pitfalls for patients and physicians.

Researchers underscore limitations of genetic ancestry tests

harminka — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:49:50 -0500

Although many people rely on commercially available genetic tests for insights into their ancestry, the tests have significant limitations according to Deborah Bolnick, assistant professor of anthropology at The University of Texas at Austin.

Genetic test for suicidal ideation in patients using antidepressant drugs

harminka — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:30:54 -0500

NeuroMark, a Boulder, Colorado company, announced today the immediate availability of a genetic test to identify people at risk of suicidal ideation—thoughts of committing suicide—when prescribed an antidepressant drug.

Study questions FDA genetic-screening guidelines for cancer drug

harminka — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:27:41 -0500

Not everyone needs a genetic test before taking the cancer drug irinotecan, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should modify its prescription guidelines to say so, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

New test to tell baby's sex at six weeks

Dinka — Tue, 15 May 2007 09:29:52 -0500

A new test announced to tell parents the sex of their future child just six weeks into pregnancy is not believed to be reliable and could open a Pandora's Box of ethical issues.

Potential genetic testing for substance abuse raises hope

harminka — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 10:18:46 -0600