Marketing Genetic Tests: A Bioethical Approach

Abstract

The major biotechnological advances in human genetics provide an opportunity for pre­symptomatic diagnosis of several monogenic diseases, as well as the identification of many genes that contribute to presence of complex illnesses. The bioethical problem that has emerged with this technology resides in the fact that many of these tests are offered directly to consumers, sometimes without a doctor’s orders. In such cases, people who request and receive the results are apt to misunderstand them or to generate false expec­ tations, as in the case of complex diseases. This prevents informed decisions. Therefore, the appropriate conditions must be created for commercial laboratories to adhere to the ethical and legal standards established in each country and to ensure the consumer is well informed.