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

Jerash now stands as the first location where a plague-related mass grave has been confirmed through both archaeological evidence and genetic testing.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

In France - one of a number of countries where genetic testing is illegal without a medical prescription due to privacy laws - the government has condemned the decision as "a step backwards".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026

Some are using genetic testing and exploring gene splicing to produce children with desired traits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025