Definition

Noun: - Analyzing a group of people to determine genetic susceptibility to a particular disease: The process of testing individuals within a population to identify those who have an increased genetic risk for a specific inherited disorder.

Usage

• Genetic screening is typically used as a noun phrase to describe a public health or medical procedure.
• It is often followed by a prepositional phrase specifying the target group (e.g., ) or the condition (e.g., ).

Examples

• The hospital implemented genetic screening for all pregnant women over the age of 35.
• Public health policies often include genetic screening of infants for certain metabolic disorders.
• Advances in technology have made widespread genetic screening more feasible and affordable.

Advanced Usage

• Population genetic screening: Refers to screening offered to an entire population or a large subgroup, regardless of personal or family history.
• Carrier genetic screening: A specific type of screening to identify individuals who carry one copy of a gene mutation for a recessive disorder.
• Preconception genetic screening: Screening performed on individuals or couples before pregnancy to assess the risk of passing on genetic conditions.

Variants and Related Words

• Screen (verb): To test or examine for the presence of something. (e.g., )
• Genetic test (noun): A broader term for any test that analyzes DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, or certain metabolites to detect heritable disease-related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes. Genetic screening is a form of genetic testing applied to populations.
• Newborn screening (noun): A specific public health program that includes genetic screening of newborns for certain treatable conditions.

Synonyms

• Genetic testing (when applied to a population group without prior symptoms or known risk)
• DNA screening
• Hereditary disease screening

Related Phrases

• To undergo genetic screening: The process of being tested.
  • Couples with a family history of Tay-Sachs disease are advised to undergo genetic screening.
• Results of genetic screening: The findings from the test.
  • The results of the genetic screening were communicated to the family by a genetic counselor.

Notes

• Genetic screening is distinct from genetic diagnosis. Screening is performed on a population to identify at-risk individuals who may not show symptoms, while diagnosis is typically performed on an individual already suspected of having a condition based on symptoms or family history.
• The example from the reference context, "genetic screening of infants for phenylketonuria," is a classic example of a successful public health screening program that allows for early dietary intervention to prevent severe intellectual disability.

Noun

1. analyzing a group of people to determine genetic susceptibility to a particular disease
   • genetic screening of infants for phenylketonuria