Pre-Adoptive Genetic Testing
Gene-Screening Adoptable Children
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Pre-Adoptive Genetic Testing (PAGT) is the process of performing
genetic tests on children before they are adopted in order to screen for
undesirable genes
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Types of Genetic Tests: Carrier Identification - Cystic Fibrosis,
Tay-Sachs Disease, Sickel Cell Traits; Prenatal Diagnosis - Down Syndrome;
Newborn Screening - Phenylketonuria, Congenital Hypothyroidism; Late-Onset
Disorders - Huntington's Disease, Cancer
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Who requests PAGT? - Adoptive parents, adopted individuals,
biological family members, and adoption professionals
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Why request PAGT? - Family historical information, symptom
diagnosis, and carrier information
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Benefits of PAGT: Ability to provide for a special
needs child financially, physically, and emotionally can be assessed; Prevention
or treatment of child; Warning to be aware of certain symptoms; Clarification
of diagnoses
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Limits of PAGT: Not all medical conditions are detectable;
Probabilities, not certainties; Some diseases cannot be cured or treated
even with early detection; Effects of environment and personality
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Risks of Results: Alteration of self-image with survivor
guilt, self-blame, and self-esteem problems; Family relationships stressed
with overindulgence, rejection, and emotional distance
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PAGT potential for harm: Privacy, Informed consent, Confidentiality,
Adoption status in foster homes
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