Could Medications and Medical Treatments Alter DNA Results?
We all have unique DNA profiles that are responsible for determining many of our bodily functions including the rate in which we grow. As it is the blueprint of our lives, this unique genetic code is essential for us to function properly.
Yet, despite this blueprint, human beings are clearly not perfect. It is common for most humans to start developing various illnesses, particularly those that come with age. Because of this, it is necessary for a lot of people to rely on external medications, which contain the potential to impact DNA formation.
But what could be the actual impact of these medications on our unique DNA codes? Could these medications alter our DNA drastically to the point that it becomes indistinguishable from other DNA codes?
The simple answer to this quite controversial question is no, medications do not impact the DNA code. The impacts of certain medications on a person will vary according to his DNA structure, but it is impossible for a simple medicine to alter the DNA structure and affect a human being’s entire blueprint.
However, medical treatments could alter the DNA.
While simple medicines or medications cannot possibly alter a person’s DNA structure, the same cannot be said for all medical treatments. There are several medical treatments that have been found out to cause a person’s DNA to alter. The DNA changes into a different formation and can be drastic to the point that it could cause testing processes to produce different results.
If you ever have to undergo DNA testing after medical treatment, you should state it to the testing facility and you might be referred to a medical professional for extra screening. Read on to know what medical treatments could alter your DNA.
Bone Marrow Transplants and Stem Cell Transplants
Stem cells have a very vital function in the body as they are responsible for helping in the natural recovery process. However, there are some medical conditions that require the patient to undergo either a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant. The stem cells are taken from the blood of the donor, while bone marrow is taken directly from the donor’s backbone or marrow.
These medical treatments are usually required to help cure or replace the dead cells of many cancer patients, as bone marrow or stem cells can help produce new and healthy cells. Upon injection of the donor’s cells into the patient, the cells would produce additional white blood cells that are essential in fighting off the disease.
The rate of production of these cells in the transplanted substance would depend on the donor’s rate of DNA production. This means that the white blood cells produced by the transplanted cells would contain the DNA of the donor.
Because of this, bone marrow and stem cell transplants could result in a significant change in the patient’s DNA code, affecting clinical DNA test results. The genetic profile of the patient would start merging with the donor’s, resulting in inconclusive test results. Thus, if you have undergone these particular procedures and need to undergo a DNA test, it is important to avoid buccal swabs or blood sampling. However, it is still possible to provide other samples not affected by the treatment, such as your hair root sample.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusion is a relatively common medical procedure done on patients in conditions brought about by diseases or accidents. Did you know blood-related medical treatments could also result in an inaccurate or inconclusive DNA test result?
Similar to bone marrow and stem cell transfusions, the recipient of a blood transfusion would also share the same cells with the donor after the process. However, unlike bone marrow and stem cells, the donor’s blood cells would have a relatively shorter lifespan after transfusion. Thus, the risk of getting an inaccurate or inconclusive DNA test result is only temporary.
For blood transfusion to make an impact on the DNA test results, the transfusion should have been done very recently. If you have recently undergone a blood transfusion, it is advisable to wait for at least 2 weeks before undergoing a DNA test.
A woman, however, who plans to undergo a non-invasive prenatal paternity test should inform the testing facility about the transfusion. Because the process involves using the mother’s blood sample, it is important to inform the facility as well as plan the test’s timing in order to prevent any accidental mishaps that can impact the test results.
Summary
Contrary to some misconceptions, medications are not capable of altering or even affecting a person’s genetic codes. Most medical procedures are also safe in terms of preserving your DNA code. However, there are a few invasive medical treatments that could affect your DNA structure, particularly stem cell and bone marrow transplants.
A proper genetic testing facility, however, would be well-equipped to handle cases like this so there is no need to worry about getting an inaccurate or inconclusive DNA test result. Just do not forget to inform the medical professionals about any medical treatment you have undergone prior to the DNA test.
