tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008122866340502585.post1610801670637397931..comments2024-03-24T05:50:07.033-07:00Comments on Biologizing: Genetic Testing in the WombPeter Houlihanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00961900865379520219noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008122866340502585.post-86766923649806885842015-04-06T17:02:20.262-07:002015-04-06T17:02:20.262-07:00Since the research is still new, there is not yet ...Since the research is still new, there is not yet information regarding testing for twins. I would think that the test could be performed, but in the case in which identical twins share a placenta, it may be difficult to differentiate which fetus has the extra chromosome. With fraternal twins, the general differences in their DNA sequences may enhance the ability to identify which fetus is affected. This test can be executed as early as the first trimester. I think the effectiveness of this test could very likely increase abortion rate; the less invasive nature and better accuracy of this test will probably increase the number of women who ultimately find out that their baby has Down's syndrome. Consequently, this knowledge gives them the opportunity to make that choice, which they wouldn't have had without this form of detection.<br />-Meghan HarringtonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008122866340502585.post-14364314690483885602015-04-06T16:50:43.403-07:002015-04-06T16:50:43.403-07:00All they have to do is sample the blood, which, in...All they have to do is sample the blood, which, in a pregnant female, contains some fluid from the placenta. A blood test is typically a routine procedure, so the fragments are not too hard to find.<br />-Meghan Harrington Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008122866340502585.post-59951518354204660172015-04-03T17:47:27.863-07:002015-04-03T17:47:27.863-07:00Great post, Meghan. After reading your blog and th...Great post, Meghan. After reading your blog and the study linked above, I've learnt that there's cell-free DNA of the fetus(es) in a mother's bloodstream, which can be used directly to detect Down's syndrome. I have a few questions for you: 1. Would this test still be effective if the mother carries semi-identical or fraternal twins or triplets? 2. Can this test be executed any time during pregnancy? 3. Do you think the effectiveness of this test would increase the abortion rate?<br />-Posted by Phi DuongAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008122866340502585.post-47740560875516307112015-04-02T21:51:58.823-07:002015-04-02T21:51:58.823-07:00Great Blog! It was clear, concise and well organiz...Great Blog! It was clear, concise and well organized. I am sure a lot of mothers will be on board with this new approach. I was also wondering, are there any set backs of obtaining a blood sample over the previous more invasive method? For example, will this new method take longer to yield results?<br /><br />-Posted by Amanda OkpoeboAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9008122866340502585.post-1689789365114034172015-04-02T10:16:56.319-07:002015-04-02T10:16:56.319-07:00Very interesting post, it's encouraging to hea...Very interesting post, it's encouraging to hear that there is a safer and more effective test to determine down's syndrome. How do they obtain these DNA fragments from the placenta? Do they just take a sample of blood from the mother and test it? Are these fragments hard to find in the blood?<br /><br />David Rains, Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com