Diagnosis of Monogenic Genetic Diseases For monogenic genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and thalassemia, the gene – testing sampling kit can collect DNA samples from patients or family members. By detecting specific genes, the presence of disease – causing mutations can be determined, enabling early diagnosis of the disease. For example, in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, the mutations in the CFTR gene are detected. If known disease – causing mutations are found, a diagnosis can be made. This helps patients receive treatment before symptoms appear or in the early stages of the disease, improving the prognosis.
Risk Assessment of Complex Diseases Many common complex diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, are caused by the combined effects of multiple genes and environmental factors. The gene – testing sampling kit can be used to collect samples and analyze the gene polymorphisms related to these diseases. For instance, by detecting mutations or specific genotypes of certain cancer – related genes (such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in relation to breast cancer), the individual’s cancer risk can be evaluated. If the test results show that an individual carries a high – risk genotype, more proactive preventive measures can be taken, such as increasing the frequency of screening and adjusting lifestyle.
Applications in Pharmacogenomics During drug treatment, individual genetic differences can lead to different responses to drugs. The gene – testing sampling kit can be used to collect DNA and analyze genes related to drug – metabolizing enzymes, drug targets, and drug transporters. For example, when using warfarin for anticoagulant therapy, the polymorphisms of genes such as CYP2C9 and VKORC1 are detected. Doctors can adjust the drug dosage according to the test results to achieve personalized and precise medication, improving the effectiveness and safety of drug treatment.
Precision Medicine in Cancer
Tumor Molecular Typing In cancer treatment, tumor cells from different patients may vary at the genetic level. The gene – testing sampling kit can collect tumor tissue or blood samples to detect information such as mutations, fusions, and expression levels of tumor – related genes. For example, in lung cancer treatment, the mutation status of genes such as EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 is detected, and lung cancer is classified into different molecular subtypes. For patients with different molecular subtypes, corresponding targeted therapeutic drugs are used. For example, for lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations, EGFR – TKI drugs are used to improve the treatment effect.
Monitoring of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) After cancer patients receive treatment, there may still be a small number of cancer cells remaining in the body, which can lead to cancer recurrence. By collecting blood samples using the gene – testing sampling kit and applying highly sensitive detection techniques (such as the detection of circulating tumor DNA in liquid biopsy), the DNA of these trace cancer cells can be detected. Dynamic monitoring of MRD helps doctors adjust treatment plans in a timely manner, predict the cancer recurrence risk, and provide more precise follow – up treatment for patients.
II. Genetic Counseling and Reproductive Health Field
Carrier Screening
Detection of Carriers of Recessive Genetic Diseases For some autosomal recessive genetic diseases, such as phenylketonuria and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), healthy individuals may be carriers of the disease – causing genes. The gene – testing sampling kit can be used for large – scale population screening to detect whether an individual carries the disease – causing gene. If both husband and wife are carriers of the same autosomal recessive genetic disease, the risk of their child having the disease increases significantly. Through pre – marriage or pre – pregnancy screening, a basis for genetic counseling is provided, helping couples understand the reproductive risk and make rational reproductive decisions.
Detection of Carriers of X – linked Genetic Diseases In X – linked genetic diseases, females may be carriers of the disease – causing genes. For example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common X – linked recessive genetic disease. By collecting DNA samples from females using the gene – testing sampling kit and detecting the DMD – related gene (such as the DMD gene), it can be determined whether the female is a carrier. For carrier families, prenatal diagnosis or pre – implantation genetic diagnosis can be carried out during the reproductive process to avoid the birth of affected children.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Pre – implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Prenatal Diagnosis During pregnancy, the gene – testing sampling kit can be used to collect amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, or fetal free DNA in the peripheral blood of pregnant women (non – invasive prenatal testing). By detecting the fetal DNA, it can be diagnosed whether the fetus has chromosomal numerical abnormalities (such as Down syndrome), chromosomal structural abnormalities, and monogenic genetic diseases. For example, for pregnant women with a family history of genetic diseases, detecting whether the fetus carries the genetic disease – causing gene in the family provides important information about the health status of the fetus for the pregnant woman and her family, helping them decide whether to continue the pregnancy.
PGD In assisted reproductive technology, the gene – testing sampling kit can be used to collect embryo cells for genetic testing before the embryo is implanted into the uterus. By detecting whether the embryo carries disease – causing genes or chromosomal abnormalities, healthy embryos are selected for implantation, thus avoiding the transmission of genetic diseases. This is an effective measure to ensure reproductive health for couples with a family history of genetic diseases.
III. Forensic Identification Field
Individual Identification
Crime Scene Investigation In criminal cases, the gene – testing sampling kit can collect DNA from biological samples at the crime scene, such as blood, hair, semen, and saliva. By comparing with the DNA samples of suspects or those in the database, the individual to whom the biological sample at the crime scene belongs can be determined, assisting the police in solving the case. For example, in the investigation of a rape or murder case, the biological evidence collected from the victim or the crime scene can be used for DNA comparison to identify the suspect.
Identity Identification in Disaster Incidents After large – scale disasters (such as earthquakes, fires, and plane crashes), the bodies of the victims may be severely damaged, making it difficult to identify them through traditional methods. The gene – testing sampling kit can be used to collect DNA from the bodies of the victims or the biological samples remaining on their belongings. By comparing with the DNA samples provided by family members or the information in the database, the identities of the victims can be determined, providing comfort to the families and facilitating the subsequent handling of the incident.
Paternity Testing
Confirmation of Parent – Child Relationship In civil cases or family disputes, the gene – testing sampling kit can be used to collect DNA samples from parents and children. By detecting specific genetic markers (such as short tandem repeat sequences, STRs) and calculating the probability of the parent – child relationship, it can be determined whether the parent – child relationship is established. For example, in legal issues involving child custody and inheritance, the results of paternity testing can serve as important legal evidence to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the parties involved.