Genetic Testing vs Genetic Screening: What’s the Difference?
Genetic Testing vs Genetic Screening: What’s the Difference? Genetic testing and genetic screening are related terms, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. Both involve genetic information, yet they are used for different purposes. In simple terms, genetic screening generally looks for people who may have a higher-than-average risk of a genetic condition , while genetic testing examines an individual's genetic material for specific changes or variants. Understanding the difference is important because a screening result is not necessarily a diagnosis. A positive screening result may indicate that additional evaluation or diagnostic testing is appropriate. Quick answer: Genetic screening estimates risk in a population or individual, while genetic testing examines DNA, chromosomes, or related biological material to look for specific genetic changes. What Is Genetic Testing? Genetic testing is a laboratory-based process used to examine a person's gene...