Agra (IANS): A new genetic test to spot almost all inherited diseases, including cystic fibrosis, mental retardation and some types of cancer, in embryos fertilised in the test tube, could be available within a year, health experts said here on Saturday.

The Genetic MoT (molecular test), known as Karyomapping, will be available in the market very soon.

The 2,500 pounds-test can detect around 15,000 genetic conditions. It can also detect Huntington's disease and autism. The genetic test counts the number of chromosomes in the embryos, potentially increasing the chances of pregnancy and cutting the odds of miscarriage.

Karyomapping is quicker than existing methods of genetic testing, which would lessen the emotional burden of waiting for results.

The main genetic test already used by couples with a family history of conditions such as cystic fibrosis is called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Doctors look through the parent's DNA for the rogue gene and use the information to create a probe that hunts for the flaw in the embryos.