Oral

Commercially available genetic tests are proliferating, with over 1200 tests available in current clinical settings, and a few hundred available in research settings. Although the majority of testing is currently available through health care providers, direct-to-consumer testing (DTC) is increasingly becoming available without the involvement of health care providers and without interpretation and counseling. This session brings together genetic counselors, a molecular biologist, and a researcher with expertise in carrier testing in the Ashkenazi Jewish population to present the scientific, consumer, and ethical aspects of providing genetic information directly to consumers. How to ensure the DTC market is properly managed will be discussed.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market and emerging trends. 2. Identify the controversies and ethical issues inherent in this form of genetic testing and informing certain populations of test results. 3. Evaluate how screening tools can be used and applied in community settings.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)