Diagnosing disease through DNA. An exciting new frontier.
BACKGROUND
The family physician is at the forefront of the modern genetics (DNA) revolution. Advances in genetics will continue to escalate as the human genome project reaches its conclusion. The result will be a vast compendium of newly discovered genes and demand from both patients and doctors for more information about them.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the role of DNA testing in diagnosing and predicting disease.


CONCLUSIONS
DNA is an ideal medium to search for gene mutations. The DNA content of our cells does not age, thereby expanding the scope for DNA testing. The general practitioner will often be the first contact for those with a genetic disorder. Following DNA diagnosis, ongoing support may be required. To do this effectively will require a new approach to continuing education, as well as active participation in the 'molecular medicine' team. Sourcing reliable and accurate information may be a problem with many turning to the Internet for this.
Trent
R
R
Department of Molecular & Clinical Genetic, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. rtrent@med.usyd.edu.au
D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation
D004247:DNA