Reporting Disturbing Genetic Findings To Patients

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics is looking at a controversial issue. As we are able to learn more and more about our genetic code and can start to predict potential health risks years ahead, are people ready to hear about it years in advance?

According to the college, patient preferences should not be considered when reporting results of genome sequencing, that patients receive all results, including incidental findings, whether they desire this information or not. That would include reporting test results for adult-onset conditions to parents of children undergoing sequencing - again, regardless of parent preferences.

Other organizations recommend strongly against it.