Genetic testing

With a simple blood test, patient's DNA can be tested for deseases.

In 2006 today gene tests are available for more than 1,300 diseases, including cystic fibrosis and hemophilia.

Genetic testing starts at the earliest stages of life:
 * Couples planning to have children can be screened prior to conception to see if they are carriers of genetic diseases;
 * prenatal tests are offered during pregnancy;
 * in some places newborns are screened for as many as 29 conditions, the majority of them genetic disorders.

The Thousand-Dollar Genome

Dog DNA can be tested for under $100 as of 2007.