Creating needs? A review of survey data and concerns relevant to the commercialization of genetic testing.
An increasing number of genetic tests are moving from the laboratory to the clinical setting. It seems an appropriate time to assess the interest and receptivity of the public toward genetic testing services. This is particularly so given the concerns that have been expressed about the commercialization of genetic testing technologies. To this end, the paper begins with an overview of the concerns and benefits associated with commercialization. This is followed by a review of a selection of survey data relevant to the potential 'genetic testing market' (i.e., the attitudes, perceptions and knowledge of the public, patients and professionals). We conclude that although emerging data and past experience suggest that the actual uptake of genetic tests may fall short of expectations, the strong public interest and perceived right of access disclosed in the survey research indicate a future potential for a large testing market. As such, the concerns associated warrant careful consideration.
Caulfield
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T
Faculty of Law, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, 461 Law Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H5 (Canada). tcaulfld@law.ualberta.ca
Wertz
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D
D000329:Advertising; D001290:Attitude; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003132:Commerce; D016265:Conflict of Interest; D003625:Data Collection; D033142:Genetic Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000941:ethics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000191:economics* / Q000941:ethics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009656:North America; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011639:Public Opinion; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012926:Social Control, Formal