Feb. 5, 2001. The article described many ethical pitfalls of genetic testing when offered by physicians who may not have sufficient knowledge of these tests and the far-reaching implications of test results. Help is available to evade these errors, and more is on the way. In most clinical settings, genetic counseling is a prerequisite for performing genetic testing, and genetic counselors have the knowledge and proper training for the job.
Accessible training is also on the way for physicians who want to acquire expertise themselves.
State and specialty societies are meeting clinicians' needs for more genetic information with CME courses. Patient confusion resulting from media reports offers primary care physicians an excellent opportunity to take a lead in educating patients, for example, by reviewing a patient's family health history and addressing potential concerns. Obviously, doctors cannot undertake a review of all patient medical records in light of advances in genetic information and tests. Family medical history is the foundation of genetic knowledge. With information from this source, physicians can pursue the necessary course for making further decisions regarding testing.