These factors may interact with each other. For example, by publicizing new scientific discoveries and making them relevant to the public, the media not only reflects public interest but also heightens interest. Biotechnology companies explicitly watch the news media's reporting, as well as consumer response to that reporting, in order to help guide their marketing decisions. Although these interests are all legitimate, their interactions have the potential to exert a force toward rapid dissemination of information about genetic tests, and their premature use. The Task Force is of the opinion that the principles presented in this document can safeguard against the harms that might result from premature use.
Genetic tests pass through three stages.
In the research stage, relationships between a genetic alteration and a disease are explored. Until a relationship is established, results are not reported to patients. There is no clinical use of the test in this basic research stage. In the investigative stage, the relationship has been established and efforts are made to assess the safety and effectiveness of tests to detect alterations and their utility to the persons being tested. Persons enrolled in studies in this stage must be aware that they are participating in an investigation and consent to it.