These tests are not regulated by the FDA or other government agencies to the same extent as drugs3. Risks and benefits to the individual Physical benefits and risks. However, physical benefits from the knowledge that results from the test can range enormously. Psychological benefits and risks. Knowledge from genetic testing can provide many psychological benefits, even if physical benefits are minimal.
Testing can relieve anxiety, especially if the test has a negative results.
Even testing pos itive for a disease can give a name to a problem, provide the opportunity to seek appropriate medical help, and help prepare for an eventual illness. There are also complications caused by false positive and false negative test results. Social benefits and risks. Few social benefits of testing have been identified, but one may be that it is seen as a responsibility to society to know one's medical future. However, it would be dangerous to condemn those who choose not to k now because they, for example, are opposed to abortion.