Genetic testing examines the genetic information contained inside a person's cells to determine if that person has or will develop a certain disease or could pass a disease to his or her offspring.

A variety of laboratory techniques is used to examine genes or markers near genes. Direct analysis of an individual's specific genes can determine if the individual suffers from diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. Indirect testing has to be done for certain diseases because the gene has not been directly identified, but are known to lie in a specific region of a chromosome.

There are many types of genetic testing:

• Carrier Identification includes genetic tests used by couples whose families have a history of recessive genetic disorders and are considering having children. Three common tests include those for cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and sickle cell anemia...