The following is an edited excerpt.
In March, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) released a report on “incidental findings” in genetic tests, which is continuing to attract the wider discussion it deserves. Essentially, it said that doctors ought to tell patients about some (not all) unexpected genetic results.This debate raises major questions of patient consent, and challenges established principles about testing children for late-onset conditions. It also suggests the possibility of unnecessary medical interventions, and perhaps even difficulties in obtaining a medically needed genetic test if a patient is unwilling to be presented with findings that are not directly relevant.
Read the full story here: Genetic Tests: Who Should Know and Who Should Tell?
