Genetic Screening

Genetic screening is a process where newborns have their genes screened to become aware of any genetic diseases they might be vulnerable of getting or may be carriers of. It is usually only newborns that go through the process of genetic screening but Adults also can go through the same process. Some adults or families are screened before they think of having children so that they can become aware of any inheritable diseases that they may pass down through the generations. In the future it is hoped that every newborn will be screened for any inheritable diseases. 

The genes that we inherit from our parents also affect your immune system. If the parents had a very low/weak immune system then the immune system of their child is most likely to be very susceptible to various infections.


Some diseases for example Tay-Sachs and Huntingtons are diseases that are not apparent at birth and develop as the child grows. In this case genetic screening has been extremely beneficial. Because of genetic screening at birth diseases that are not apparent can be diagnosed before it affects the child. By discovering what the child is susceptible to means that treatment to help prevent the disease or help to lessen the severities of it can take place before it becomes serious and/or life threatening.