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

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

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2026

Detailed genetic testing and close examination of physical traits showed otherwise.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 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

Treatments are becoming more personalised, as advances in genetic testing mean care can be tailored to the way each individual deals with their body's own cancer.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Under current clinical guidelines, many of these women would not typically qualify for genetic testing.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026