Genetic screening and diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
To review the latest developments in screening and diagnosis of non-chromosomal genetic diseases.


RESULTS
Major recent advances include the completion of the Human Genome Project, the use of microarray and related technologies for mass screening and diagnosis of thousands of genetic abnormalities, and non-invasive prenatal diagnosis using fetal DNA in maternal plasma.


CONCLUSIONS
The rapid development in molecular biological technologies makes it possible to screen and to diagnosis thousands of genetic conditions, mutations and also predispositions to chronic diseases or traits, either prenatally or after birth. Clinical application of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis using fetal DNA in maternal plasma has become a reality. The arrival of the molecular genetic era also leads to many new ethical, social and medico-legal problems and dilemmas that obstetricians will have to face in the near future. There is an urgent need for the development of a new model for provision of genetic screening and diagnosis.
Lau
Tze Kin
TK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. tzekinlau@cuhk.edu.hk
Leung
Tse Ngong
TN
D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*