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Use of Array Genomic Hybridization Technology in Prenatal Diagnosis in Canada

Alessandra Duncan, Sylvie Langlois and al. — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:07:23 -0500

The objective of this technical update is to summarize for obstetrical care providers the current literature on array genomic hybridization in prenatal diagnosis and to outline the recommendations of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists regarding the use of this new technology with respect to prenatal diagnosis.

Personalised genetic tests no more useful than family history

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:39:03 -0500

A new study published in Genetic Epidemiology has reported that genotyping provides no additional medical benefit over standard predictive information such as medical and family history. Researchers recruited over 3000 recipients of the Health Compass service from direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic test provider Navigenics, which provides an estimate of risk for fifteen conditions. Study participants provided self-reported personal medical and family history information, which was used to predict risk, and the two measures of lifetime disease risk were then compared. Original study: Association of direct-to-consumer genome-wide disease risk estimates and self-reported disease

Experts call for privacy on personal genetic testing

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:19:22 -0500

Legal and scientific experts have warned that personal genetic information could be abused by employers and insurance companies, due to rapid advances in scientific technology. The EU needs to take steps to protect privacy and prevent such discrimination, according to experts participating in a conference on the issue at National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG). Several speakers at the conference, which was chaired by Mr Justice John McMenamin, outlined how genetic-testing techniques may be able to detect the onset of future disabilities and how this technology is used increasingly in both employment and insurance contexts.

Predictive or preposterous? The marketing of DTC genetic testing

Timothy Caulfield — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:52:33 -0500

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing has generated a great deal of social controversy. While the degree to which DTC testing actually causes harm remains uncertain, there is a consensus that the information provided by these companies should be accurate. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Indeed, there are misrepresentations associated with all forms of testing, be it for superficial cosmetic services, athletic ability or disease predisposition. Countering this phenomenon will require a wide range of actions, including the use of formal regulatory mechanisms, the education of primary healthcare providers (in order to give them the tools necessary to advise patients and respond to questions) and more aggressive action by the genetic research community.