Human World

Fetus DNA: Blood from mom, saliva from dad

Researchers have determined 98% of fetus DNA using only a blood sample from the mom, while pregnant, and a saliva specimen from the dad.

Jay Shendure at the University of Washington supervised the research team, which hopes their process will allow thousands of genetic diseases to be detected prenatally.

The researchers say their procedure could be widely available in three to five years. Others say it will take longer. At present, according to the University of Washington researchers, a fetal genome produced in this manner would cost $20,000 to $50,000 to acquire. Plus, they say, even greater accuracy is needed. Both lower cost and greater accuracy are expected in the years ahead.

When that happens, the ability to know so much about an unborn child is sure to raise ethical questions, as some parents may try to use the tests along with abortions to determine preferred traits for their children.

Read more about this story at the New York Times.

Bottom line: University of Washington researchers led by Jay Shendure have determined 98% of the genome of a fetus using only a blood sample from a pregant woman, and a saliva specimen from the father. The process ultimately will allow thousands of genetic diseases to be detected prenatally, while raising ethical questions.

Posted 
June 7, 2012
 in 
Human World

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