Ensuring the appropriate use of genetic tests.
Ensuring the correct use of genetic tests is an important challenge for health-policy makers. Many new genetic tests will identify susceptibility to common diseases or adverse drug responses. Some will lead to new prevention opportunities, but others will have minimal clinical value. Statutory regulation alone cannot guarantee appropriate use. Other strategies, including resource allocation and matters related to clinical governance - such as practice-guideline development and health-provider education - are also important.
Burke
Wylie
W
Department of Medical History and Ethics, Box 357120, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific, Room A204, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. wburke@u.washington.edu
Zimmern
Ron L
RL
D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012306:Risk