Genetic testing, genetic screening and privacy

Home-based genetic testing: a risky buisiness?

“…Alarmingly, Health Canada currently has no policies in place to regulate quality, reliability, or validity of HBGTs and without government regulation and standardization of these measures, the likelihood of erroneous tests results increases 1 . Both positive and negative genetic test results can precipitate monumental life changes; therefore, inaccurate results from HBGTs may cause individuals to make fallacious and irreversible decisions about their lifestyle, relationships, and employment 4,6 . For example, false negative HBGT results may lead people to avoid necessary medical advice or treatment 1 .…”

“…Best practice guidelines for the medical provision of genetic testing state that genetic tests must be accompanied by patient education and support or counselling [1][2][3] . Education prior to genetic testing ensures that the patient is aware of the risks and benefits and can subsequently provide informed consent [1][2][3][4] . Genetic counselling is the process through which health professionals help and support patients as they cope with and adapt to having, or being at risk of developing, a genetic condition 3 .…”