A gene mapping test could tell parents-to-be if embryos are affected by almost any inherited disease, UK scientists have claimed.

The team from London's Bridge Centre say the £1,500 test could detect any of the 15,000 inherited diseases in weeks.

Current tests are either focused on a specific gene mutation, or take a lot longer to give results.

But other experts warned the fertility regulator would have to ensure there were strict limits on the test's use.

Dr Mark Hamilton, chairman of the British Fertility Society, said: "The effectiveness and efficiency of the procedure is quite exciting, and the fact it's quicker means it could be helpful to couples at risk of inherited diseases - and that in itself is significant.

"We can currently test for several hundred conditions, but the claim is that the spectrum of conditions which could be screened for is enormous

"But obviously, the ethical question is, if you can screen for anything, where do you draw the line?"

Full story on BBC Website
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7688299.stm

Posted by daveb on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 (17:00:02) (851 reads) [ Administration ]