Emerging trends in genetic-based medical diagnostics.

Prior to the publication of the sequencing of the human genome in April 2003, approximately 1,000 genetic tests were available for monogenetic diseases, i.e., those diseases that emanate from a single gene. The Human Genome Project (HGP) offers the data needed to elucidate the more difficult polygenetic diseases and genetic predisposition to diseases, and help explain variability in drug response. Microarray technology utilizing HGP data has made it possible to survey a person's genome. The applications of this technology include minimizing drug reactions and deriving cancer prognoses. This article will address the role of genetic testing in diagnosing and predicting disease now and in the near future.