Saturday, March 29, 2008

Home Genetic Testing


At-home paternity DNA testing is available. What will be next? Huntington's disease testing? BRCA testing for breast and other cancers?

Many patients do not understand the full implications of genetic testing results. These tests never have 100% sensitivity or specificity. Therefore, false results may occur. However, if people can purchase such genetic tests online or at a local pharmacy, many will want to use them without receiving proper guidance. Genetic counseling is such an integral part of the testing process. This will be lacking if patients are doing the tests on their own.

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