Report on genetic testing for late onset disorders : September 1998 / Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing.
- Great Britain. Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing
- Date:
- 1997
Licence: Open Government Licence
Credit: Report on genetic testing for late onset disorders : September 1998 / Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![they may have affected children. Tests for genetic susceptibility to common diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes are being developed and an increasing range of tests can be anticipated. In the UK genetic testing services are most often provided through the National Health Service', and most people requiring these services obtain them by referral from their general practitioner. Consultant-led NHS genetics services are available throughout the UK, and ACGT recognises the importance and achievements of these services. Regional Genetics Centres ~ throughout the UK can supply information to clinicians and members of the public on the range of services they provide, and their addresses and contact telephone numbers are listed at Annex B. In its first report ACGT recognised a limited role for the provision of genetic testing services direct to the public ie. outside of the setting of NHS genetics services, however it saw such testing being centred on tests which determine carrier status for inherited recessive disorders, where such status carries no significant direct health implications for the carrier individual (eg cystic fibrosis). ACGT considered that provision of such testing poses fewer difficulties than provision of testing for inherited dominant and X-linked disorders, for adult onset genetic disorders regardless of inheritance [the late onset disorders of this report] or for the genetic component(s) of multifactorial or acquired diseases. ACGT continues to regard the provision of tests for late onset disorders as more problematic than other genetic tests and believes that such tests are best conducted in a Clinical setting. Conclusion ACGT recognises that clinicians in the NHS and private practice have essential roles to play in the provision of genetic testing services for late onset disorders. ACGT wishes to ensure that such testing is delivered with the best interests of those tested in mind and that such testing is only performed in appropriate circumstances and with suitable information and genetic consultation available. The Government has a public health and consumer protection role to encourage good practice in the provision of genetic testing. These issues are covered in this report. It is the aim of ACGT, by means of this report, to set out the issues that need to be considered by clinicians before considering offering genetic testing for late onset disorders and during the provision of such testing. ACGT hopes that it may also be of interest to those being tested, patient support groups, testing laboratories, and general medical practitioners and other health care professionals with an interest.](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b3222137x_0019.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
