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

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

Tens of thousands of cancer patients and those with a family history of the disease already undergo genetic testing on the NHS every year.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

That idea was supported by genetic testing in two unrelated families.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2026

AltraVita advertises the option for clients to do genetic testing of their embryos and see their sex.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Current genetic testing typically falls into one of three separate categories:

From Science Daily • Nov. 17, 2025