Caila: Hello, today I want to ask you a few questions about Genetic testing, can you tell me what you do?
Mr. Freeman: Well, I'm a scientist that specializes in the subject of genetic testing, and I work in a labratory in the city. Sometimes you can find me doing tests on individuals.
Caila: Can you explain to me what genetic testing is?
Mr. Freeman: Genetic Testing is the process of examining a person's genes. Usually genetic testing is used to find any genes that may be passed down that cause inherited diseases. A good example is cancer. It is also effective of finding a person's ancestory.
Caila: What are the positives of genetic testing?
Mr. Freeman: The positives are testing a person and finding out if they possess a gene mutation. Gene mutation is the disease in someone's DNA. It can show wether they will develop a disease later in life. It can also show the possibilites of passing a gene mutation onto a child. Genetic testing can prevent birthing a child that will got through a lifetime of disease and suffering. Tests can be done when pregnancy occurs or before a child is born.
Also if the person comes back as a positive result, for example cancer, it can be treated as soons as it shows up in a person't bodies. Doctors can be aware for years before the the disease takes place.
Caila: Hm, and what about the negatives? Is there any risks?
Mr. Freeman: Actually, there is very little risks since all that is required is a blood sample, or another type of body fluid. The only things are that some people may feel very emotional, some feel embarressed, guilty, angry and upset about they're results. On the other hand, being tested as negative can bring great relief to a person and they're family.
Caila: Thats very understandable. What does the future hold for genetic testing?
Mr. Freeman: There are new genes being discovered all the time that are related to diseases, more studies are being done on them. We're hoping that in the future, there will be more testing available for more people.
Caila: Who do you suggest get genetic testing done?
Mr. Freeman: I suggest people who have a family known for getting diseases. If someone close to you in your family has had cancer, and especially if it was developed at a young age, we suggest to get testing.
Caila: How much does it cost to get the test?
Mr. Freeman: It depends how compelx the test is. It can range from $100-$2000.
Caila: Thankyou for your time Mr. Freeman.
Mr. Freeman: It's been a pleasure.