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Overview :
Ross and Moon offered ethical guidelines for genetic
testing. Genetic testing of children is one of the most sensitive areas.
Considerations:
(1) symptomatic
child
(2) child from
a high risk family
(3) genetic
disease that is a threat to public health
(4) genetic
disease in which early diagnosis can significantly reduce morbidity and/or
mortality
Genetic testing is indicated if:
(1) The child
is symptomatic and a genetic condition is suspected.
(2) The child
is from a high risk family and early diagnosis can reduce morbidity and/or
mortality.
(3) There is a
condition which has sufficient public health impact to justify universal
screening.
Genetic testing is not indicated if:
(1) The child
is symptomatic but a genetic condition is not suspected.
(2) The child
is not from a high risk family, there are no public health reasons for testing
and early diagnosis does not decrease morbidity and/or mortality.
Genetic testing is controversial if:
(1) The child
is from a high risk family and early diagnosis does not impact morbidity and/or
mortality.
(2) The child
is not from a high risk family, there are no public health reasons for testing
and early diagnosis may decrease morbidity and/or mortality. This may be
justifiable in targeted persons with specific risk factors.
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