title: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 363: patient testing: ethical issues in selection and counseling.
abstract: Recommendations to patients about testing should be based on current medical knowledge, a concern for the patient's best interests, and mutual consultation. In addition to establishing a diagnosis, testing provides opportunities to educate, inform, and advise. The ethical principles of respect for autonomy (patient choice) and beneficence (concern for the patient's best interests) should guide the testing, counseling, and reporting process. Clear and ample communication fosters trust, facilitates access to services, and improves the quality of medical care.
authors.affiliation: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, DC 20090-6920, USA.
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000941:ethics*; D037001:Directive Counseling / Q000941:ethics*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics*