title: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing: an assessment of genetic counselors' knowledge and beliefs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is a new means of obtaining genetic testing outside of a traditional clinical setting. This study assesses genetic counselors' experience, knowledge, and beliefs regarding direct-to-consumer genetic testing for tests that would currently be offered in genetics clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors completed a web-administered survey in February 2008.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response rate was 36%; the final data analysis included 312 respondents. Eighty-three percent of respondents had two or fewer inquiries about direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and 14% had received requests for test interpretation or discussion. Respondents believed that genetic counselors have a professional obligation to be knowledgeable about direct-to-consumer genetic testing (55%) and interpret results (48%). Fifty-one percent of respondents thought genetic testing should be limited to a clinical setting; 56% agreed direct-to-consumer genetic testing is acceptable if genetic counseling is provided. More than 70% of respondents would definitely or possibly consider direct-to-consumer testing for patients who (1) have concerns about genetic discrimination, (2) want anonymous testing, or (3) have geographic constraints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicate that genetic counselors have limited patient experiences with direct-to-consumer genetic testing and are cautiously considering if and under what circumstances this approach should be used.
authors.affiliation: Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, Wayne State University Physician's Group, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. khock@med.wayne.edu
authors.forename: Kathryn T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Hock
authors.forename: Kurt D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Beverly M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Yashar
authors.forename: J Scott
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Gollust
authors.forename: Wendy R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Uhlmann
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003256:Community Participation; D003469:Culture; D003625:Data Collection; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care