Currents in contemporary ethics. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing: is it the practice of medicine?

摘要: Understanding of the human genome and its functional significance has increased exponentially since completion Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003. The HGP fueled discovery more than 1,800 disease genes paved way for researchers to identify test suspected causing inherited diseases. Currently, there are 1000 genetic tests diseases conditions on market.1 These can play an integral role delivery health care by providing information that could potentially form basis profound life decisions, such as whether undergo a prophylactic mastectomy, terminate pregnancy, or take particular drug medication dose.2 Traditionally, were available only through healthcare providers. There is increasing trend, however, companies market sell their products directly consumers.3 Direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing provides consumer with access his her without necessarily involving doctor process. Over past year been much debate about legality DTC testing. At least two states have sent “cease desist” letters companies, arguing they violation state law regulating unlicensed practice medicine.4 become controversial number single gene particularly introduction personal services, which provide risk assessment many diseases, traits, genotyping thousands loci each individual. variety tested complicates issue these recreational purposes also medical diagnostic information. pertinent legal relates services offered fall within scope practice, if so, what extent must physician other provider be involved?