A fascinating and important review and preview of paternity and genetic testing methods and techniques that exist now or under development.

This video discusses preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), whereby cells derived from the IVF process can be genetically analyzed before being implanted into a potential mother.

This obviously raises several issues related to whether to proceed beyond DNA screening for diseases and whether or not to modify a potential baby’s genetic code in order to have only a healthy child and terminate any that are less than perfect.

Is this the future? Too late, it’s already here and if the information is accurate, then creating a genetically perfect baby is likely already in process. Prefer a different hair or skin color, increased athletic or intellectual ability, or anything else possibly in your next child? Help is on the way, like it or not.

Full reference to this lecture is presented below.

UCL Lunch Hour Lecture: Genetic testing in the 21st century: Should we screen the human embryonic genome before implantation? Dr Joyce Harper (UCL Centre for preimplantation genetic diagnosis).

In preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), embryos are created by IVF and cells removed from these embryos for genetic analysis. Until recently, testing was solely for the disease the couple carried.

The use of array-comparative genomic hybridisation and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays has entered the PGD arena. These techniques allow all chromosomes and many genes to be examined.

The analysis of the whole genome prior to implantation brings ethical concerns. Will healthy couples opt for PGD to select their ‘best’ offspring?

Here is a quick video about the proper way to capture DNA samples when using a home DNA testing kit. Regardless of which kit you purchase, certain procedures must be followed to avoid contaminating the DNA sample with that of others, especially when taking swabs from a child’s mouth. This may save future grief in having to resubmit samples that were not properly taken initially.

This video is courtesy of www.assuredna.co.uk, which supplies a reliable home testing kit that is available at larger Boots stores, independant pharmacies online and on the high street. The assuredna test kit is easy to use, safe and with the accuracy of results typically in excess of 99.99%, you and your family can be sure of peace of mind from one of the most trusted names in DNA testing.