SORA

Advancing, promoting and sharing knowledge of health through excellence in teaching, clinical practice and research into the prevention and treatment of illness

'Over-the-counter' genetic testing: what does it really mean for primary care?

Rafi, I; Qureshi, N; Lucassen, A; Modell, M; Elmslie, F; Kai, J; Kirk, M; Starey, N; Goff, S; Brennan, P; et al. Rafi, I; Qureshi, N; Lucassen, A; Modell, M; Elmslie, F; Kai, J; Kirk, M; Starey, N; Goff, S; Brennan, P; Hodgson, S (2009) 'Over-the-counter' genetic testing: what does it really mean for primary care? BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE, 59 (561). 283 - 287 (5). ISSN 0960-1643 https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp09X395021
SGUL Authors: Hodgson, Shirley Victoria Elmslie, Frances

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

The publication of More Genes Direct by the Human Genetics Commission is a timely reminder of the potential impact that ‘over-the-counter’ genetic testing (that is, a direct genetic test without the need for a medical referral) may have on the NHS. This article considers the relevance of current genetic research on complex common diseases and how this might translate into risk estimates for developing conditions such as dementia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The implications for primary care include the need to understand the current limitations of genetic testing and its commercial application over the counter, and the importance of continuing to make risk assessments using family history. The authors recommend caution in the premature introduction of over-the-counter testing without a sound evidence base.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: PubMed ID: 19341543
Keywords: Attitude to Health, Family Practice, Forecasting, Genetic Counseling, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Genetic Testing, Humans, Physician's Role, Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Medicine, General & Internal, General & Internal Medicine, general practice, genetics, genetic testing, over-the-counter, CORONARY-HEART-DISEASE, RISK, CANCER, general practice, genetics, genetic testing, over-the-counter
SGUL Research Institute / Research Centre: Academic Structure > Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute (MCS)
Academic Structure > Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute (MCS) > Cell Sciences (INCCCS)
Journal or Publication Title: BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE
ISSN: 0960-1643
Related URLs:
Dates:
DateEvent
1 April 2009Published
Web of Science ID: WOS:000266460400013
Download EPMC Full text (PDF)
Download EPMC Full text (HTML)
URI: https://openaccess.sgul.ac.uk/id/eprint/102402
Publisher's version: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp09X395021

Actions (login required)

Edit Item Edit Item