Cracking genetic codes -- Who needs the testing?

Email|Print|Comments       twitter     facebook     Sina Microblog     reddit    

A geneticist extracts a sample of saliva for testing. More Chinese companies are selling kits that test customers' DNA to reveal whether they are at risk of hereditary diseases. Photo: Li Hao/GT

When Kathy Wang (pseudonym), 30, suffered her third fall within five months in October, she began to worry something might be seriously wrong with her health.

"I was walking normally when my legs just gave in and I collapsed," she said of her most recent fall. "The first two falls weren't that serious, but the third one was severe."Wang went to the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital at Nanjing University in Jiangsu Province to find out the cause of her mysterious falls. Using little more than a sample of her blood, doctors were able to analyze Wang's genetic makeup, diagnose her condition and put her on the path to treatment.

Genetic testing is used to identify changes in chromosomes, genes and proteins. Results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.

It created international headlines in May when Hollywood star Angelina Jolie announced she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy after doctors found a mutated gene put her at high risk of breast cancer.

In China, genetic testing is being used for clinical purposes at a select number of hospitals and genetic testing companies operating commercial services. But uncertainties over its regulation and overall effectiveness in developing new drugs mean it still has a long way to go before it becomes a norm in national healthcare.

• Scientists requested central government to plant GM crops
• Two gene mutations may raise eating disorder risk
• Mother's genes may impact children's aging process
• WADA optimistic about gene doping detection research
• Angelina Jolie’s surgery draws attention to oncogene screening

We Recommend

• Fire guts 22-storey Nigeria commercial building in Lagos
• U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group stages military exercises
• Volkswagen showcases new energy vehicles in Beijing
• How should we get married nowadays?
• Commentary:
  Stop Phubbing
• Jakie Chan sees Rubber Duck off in Beijing
• Hello! Horror Halloween Celebration!
• The catwalk to the world of fashion
  
• Cruise trip to Taiwan