Ready to have a baby and are now trying to conceive? Mommy and daddy, here are the things you need to know about genetic testing in the Philippines.
Make educated decisions on your family planning journey by learning the secrets that are hidden in your DNA. Find out more about the implications of genetic testing for fertility on your journey to parenting.
What is genetic testing?
A medical test called genetic testing looks for variations in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. Genetic test results can help establish a person’s likelihood of acquiring or passing on a genetic ailment, as well as validate or rule out a suspected genetic condition, according to an article by Medline Plus, entitled “What is Genetic Testing.”
Gene tests examine DNA sequences to find changes, or mutations, in genes that may result in or raise the possibility of a hereditary illness or genetic disorder. Additionally, to determine whether there are significant genetic alterations, such as an extra copy of a chromosome, that result in a hereditary disorder, chromosomal genetic tests examine entire chromosomes or extended segments of DNA. On the other hand, the number or activity level of proteins or enzymes is studied in biochemical genetic tests; abnormalities in either might point to alterations in the DNA that cause a genetic illness.
Genetic testing Philippines: Importance of genetic testing for fertility
Genetic testing can give vital information about your genetic composition and how it may affect your chances of becoming pregnant with a healthy child. Those who are having repeated miscarriages or have a family history of genetic illnesses may find this kind of testing especially helpful.
Prior to attempting to conceive, genetic testing is a proactive way to determine your hereditary risks and help you make decisions. It can assist you in determining whether you or your spouse have any genetic abnormalities that could cause major health issues for your future child. Finding the appropriate course of action can be greatly aided by knowing your genetic status.
Genetic testing Philippines price
Maybe you are wondering how much is the cost of genetic testing in the Philippines. Here’s what you need to know.
Carrier Screening
Through carrier screening, your doctor and you can learn more about your reproductive risks. And how they might affect your offspring. Families can make educated decisions about their future by knowing each parent’s genetic risks. Which can help them understand the likelihood that a kid will be impacted by specific conditions or not. As well as the options available for getting pregnant.
When considering a pregnancy, it’s critical to determine one’s carrier status because it directly affects the health of the unborn child. For autosomal recessive illnesses, parents who are proven to be carriers of the same disease have a 25% chance of producing an affected child. In order to make educated decisions during pregnancy, they may decide to undergo prenatal genetic testing or preconception care. One really helpful tool for family planning is carrier screening. It’s crucial to comprehend carrier information prior to the birth of your child, regardless of whether you are expecting or trying to conceive.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Screening Test
All that is needed for this screening test is a medical blood sample from the expecting woman. The cell-free fetal DNA in your sample will be examined after it is received to determine whether or not it is Down syndrome. In order to determine the ratio of fetal chromosomes, scientists examine the fetal DNA in the mother blood sample.
It is crucial to understand that the NIPT is a screening tool rather than a diagnostic one. While it can assist expectant mothers in avoiding the need for diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. This test cannot replace them.
Amniocentesis and chorionic villus collection are two invasive techniques used to diagnose genetic disorders, including Down’s syndrome. But there are hazards associated with these tests. Should the non-invasive blood screening test yield a positive result, your physician may nevertheless recommend amniocentesis or CVS for prenatal diagnostic testing.
NIPT price in the Philippines range at around Php 24,500 depending on the clinic where you want to be tested.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD for short, is a method that checks embryos for a number of abnormalities prior to implantation. It is also known as embryo screening. The illnesses in concern that are most frequently encountered are spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell disease, Huntington’s disease, and cystic fibrosis.
PGD is a treatment that is performed in conjunction with IVF. It is to improve the chances of a continuing pregnancy and shield the unborn child from an inherited ailment. And it is occasionally utilized for sex selection as well.
PGD is available at St. Luke’s Medical Center and The Medical City in Pasig among other hospitals. PGD price in the Philippines is available upon request at The Health Tourism.
Mommy and daddy, remember that testing for genetics is optional and voluntary. The choice of whether or not to get tested is a complicated and personal one. Because there are advantages to testing as well as restrictions and hazards. A geneticist or genetic counselor can assist by explaining the social and emotional elements of testing. As well as the advantages and disadvantages of the test.
