genetic testing

Cultural  

1. A process in which a person's or an embryo's DNA is isolated and tested for the presence of specific genes or defects that could indicate the future onset of some disease.

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In the United States, genetic testing is most often performed on alert prospective parents for possible problems during a pregnancy or the likelihood of congenital disease in a future child. The privacy of the results is one of the many difficult issues with this practice, particularly as it relates to insurance underwriting.

Example Sentences

The California attorney general filed a lawsuit Thursday against the company formerly known as 23andMe, accusing the genetic testing service of failing to protect customers’ data during a 2023 breach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

Natera is one of the largest genetic testing companies to offer the test.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

While the study presented interesting clues, it is too early to move toward genetic testing for GLP-1 use, said Dr. Marie Spreckley, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge working on obesity treatments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Tens of thousands of cancer patients and those with a family history of the disease already undergo genetic testing on the NHS every year.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

That study analyzed preserved frog specimens stored in museums since the 19th century and identified fungal strains through genetic testing.

From Science Daily • Jan. 19, 2026