Family screening involves examining family members when one individual has been diagnosed with a hereditary disorder. This process aims to detect signs of heightened vulnerability to the disorder, which may include testing for a specific genetic anomaly, like in the case of cystic fibrosis. This information is crucial to medical professionals in determining the likelihood of family members conceiving a child affected by the condition.
On the other hand, testing could be conducted to identify risk factors for a particular disorder. For instance, if a person experiences a heart attack at a young age, their family members might be screened for hyperlipidaemia, a condition characterized by high levels of fats in the blood. This condition can elevate the risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Beyond just testing for a specific disorder, family members of an affected individual might also be advised to undergo regular medical examinations. This is to ensure early detection of any irregular signs, which would allow for prompt initiation of required treatment, thereby preventing any unnecessary delays.