Genetic Testing in Primary Care – Myth or Reality?

Year 2025, Volume: 17 Issue: 1, 114 - 120, 27.03.2025

Nevena Ivanova

Abstract

The Swiss scientist Friedrich Miescher first identified deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in 1869, marking the beginning of genetic research. Subsequent studies led to the discovery of DNA’s composition and structure, culminating in Watson and Crick’s 1953 model of its three-dimensional, double-helical structure. DNA’s functional units, genes, encode proteins essential for biological processes, and variations in DNA sequences are classified as polymorphisms or mutations based on their population frequency. Advances in genetic research have facilitated the development of cytogenetic, biochemical, and molecular tests, enabling the precise analysis of genetic material. These tests provide valuable information for personalized medicine, particularly in pharmacogenomics and predictive medicine.
Once considered an exclusive domain of specialized medicine, genetic testing is now becoming an integral component of clinical practice. Technological advancements, declining costs, and increased understanding of DNA’s role in disease susceptibility have contributed to its growing accessibility. Genetic testing holds significant potential in primary care, offering insights into disease predisposition, optimizing drug therapy, and enabling early interventions. However, despite its promise, the integration of genetic testing into routine medical practice remains a challenge due to concerns related to clinical utility, ethical considerations, and the need for physician education in genetics.
A key question persists: does genetic testing offer practical benefits for routine patient care, or does it remain largely theoretical? This review aims to explore the role of genetic testing in primary care, assessing its potential advantages while addressing challenges that may hinder its widespread adoption. By evaluating the current state of genetic testing, this analysis seeks to determine whether it represents a transformative tool in modern medicine or an evolving field with yet-to-be-fulfilled promises.

Keywords

DNA, genetic testing, primary care, general practitioner

Birinci Basamak Sağlık Hizmetlerinde Genetik Testler – Mit mi Gerçek mi?

Abstract

İsviçreli bilim insanı Friedrich Miescher, 1869 yılında deoksiribonükleik asidi (DNA) keşfederek genetik araştırmaların temelini atmıştır. Sonraki çalışmalar DNA’nın bileşimi ve yapısını ortaya çıkarmış, bu süreç 1953 yılında Watson ve Crick’in DNA’nın üç boyutlu çift sarmallı yapısını tanımlamasıyla sonuçlanmıştır. DNA’nın işlevsel birimleri olan genler, biyolojik süreçler için gerekli proteinleri kodlamakta olup, DNA dizilimlerindeki değişiklikler popülasyon içindeki sıklıklarına bağlı olarak polimorfizm veya mutasyon olarak sınıflandırılmaktadır. Genetik araştırmalardaki ilerlemeler, sitogenetik, biyokimyasal ve moleküler testlerin gelişmesini sağlamış ve genetik materyalin hassas analizini mümkün kılmıştır. Bu testler, özellikle farmakogenomik ve prediktif tıp alanlarında kişiye özel tıbbi yaklaşımlar geliştirilmesine katkı sunmaktadır.
Bir zamanlar yalnızca uzmanlık gerektiren bir alan olarak görülen genetik testler, günümüzde klinik pratiğin ayrılmaz bir parçası haline gelmektedir. Teknolojik ilerlemeler, test maliyetlerinin azalması ve DNA’nın hastalık duyarlılığı üzerindeki rolünün daha iyi anlaşılması, genetik testlerin erişilebilirliğini ve klinik önemini artırmıştır. Genetik testler, hastalık yatkınlığı hakkında bilgi sağlama, ilaç tedavisinin bireyselleştirilmesi ve erken müdahale fırsatları açısından birincil sağlık hizmetlerinde büyük bir potansiyele sahiptir. Ancak, klinik fayda, etik kaygılar, veri gizliliği, sağlık politikaları ve hekimlerin genetik konularındaki eğitimi gibi zorluklar, bu testlerin rutin tıbbi uygulamalara entegrasyonunu sınırlayan önemli faktörlerdir.
Bu bağlamda, önemli bir soru ortaya çıkmaktadır: Genetik testler gerçekten hasta bakımında pratik faydalar sunmakta mıdır, yoksa büyük ölçüde teorik bir alan olarak mı kalmaktadır? Bu derleme, birincil sağlık hizmetlerinde genetik testlerin rolünü incelemeyi, potansiyel avantajlarını değerlendirmeyi ve yaygın kullanımını engelleyebilecek bilimsel, etik ve pratik zorlukları ele almayı amaçlamaktadır. Mevcut durumu analiz ederek, genetik testlerin modern tıpta dönüştürücü bir araç olup olmadığını veya hala tam anlamıyla gerçekleştirilememiş bir alan mı olduğunu belirlemeye çalışmaktadır.

Keywords

DNA, genetik test, birinci basamak sağlık hizmetleri, genel pratisyen

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