Assessing Genetic Risks

Assessing Genetic Risks
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 353
Release: 1994-01-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309047986

Raising hopes for disease treatment and prevention, but also the specter of discrimination and "designer genes," genetic testing is potentially one of the most socially explosive developments of our time. This book presents a current assessment of this rapidly evolving field, offering principles for actions and research and recommendations on key issues in genetic testing and screening. Advantages of early genetic knowledge are balanced with issues associated with such knowledge: availability of treatment, privacy and discrimination, personal decision-making, public health objectives, cost, and more. Among the important issues covered: Quality control in genetic testing. Appropriate roles for public agencies, private health practitioners, and laboratories. Value-neutral education and counseling for persons considering testing. Use of test results in insurance, employment, and other settings.

An Evidence Framework for Genetic Testing

An Evidence Framework for Genetic Testing
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 149
Release: 2017-04-21
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309453291

Advances in genetics and genomics are transforming medical practice, resulting in a dramatic growth of genetic testing in the health care system. The rapid development of new technologies, however, has also brought challenges, including the need for rigorous evaluation of the validity and utility of genetic tests, questions regarding the best ways to incorporate them into medical practice, and how to weigh their cost against potential short- and long-term benefits. As the availability of genetic tests increases so do concerns about the achievement of meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes, costs of testing, and the potential for accentuating medical care inequality. Given the rapid pace in the development of genetic tests and new testing technologies, An Evidence Framework for Genetic Testing seeks to advance the development of an adequate evidence base for genetic tests to improve patient care and treatment. Additionally, this report recommends a framework for decision-making regarding the use of genetic tests in clinical care.

Diagnostic Genetic Testing

Diagnostic Genetic Testing
Author: David Bourn
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 145
Release: 2021-11-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3030855104

Over the last decade, technical advances have allowed genomic testing which provides a great opportunity for diagnosis but also an increased chance of uncertain or unexpected findings. This book addresses many of the questions that arise in this context and summarizes the essential concepts in diagnostic genetic testing in an easy-to-read manner. It also covers some broad context for the practical and ethical implications of examining human DNA sequences. The book starts with a general introduction to the field, providing enough background to allow readers without any previous education in genetics to comprehend the material in the subsequent chapters. The main part explores differing aspects of human genetics and the wider implications of testing in these areas. The author covers not only single gene inheritance, but also genetic testing of cancers and how testing benefits the patients. Special emphasis is also given to the questions of genetics and identity. The concluding part then draws the main themes together and summarises the wider significance of genetics. It also explores the gap between promises made for the impact of advances in genetics, and the actual benefits to patients. The book is written for everyone interested to learn about the process of genetic testing and the broader implications. Moreover, it is aimed at health professionals with an interest in genetics, at students or scientific trainees looking for an introduction to diagnostic genetics, and at professionals in health policy or health journalism.

The Genetics of Cancer

The Genetics of Cancer
Author: B.A. Ponder
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9401106770

It has been recognized for almost 200 years that certain families seem to inherit cancer. It is only in the past decade, however, that molecular genetics and epidemiology have combined to define the role of inheritance in cancer more clearly, and to identify some of the genes involved. The causative genes can be tracked through cancer-prone families via genetic linkage and positional cloning. Several of the genes discovered have subsequently been proved to play critical roles in normal growth and development. There are also implications for the families themselves in terms of genetic testing with its attendant dilemmas, if it is not clear that useful action will result. The chapters in The Genetics of Cancer illustrate what has already been achieved and take a critical look at the future directions of this research and its potential clinical applications.

Perinatal Genetics

Perinatal Genetics
Author: Mary E Norton
Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2019-01-23
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0323530966

Get a quick, expert overview of the fast-changing field of perinatal genetics with this concise, practical resource. Drs. Mary Norton, Jeffrey A. Kuller, Lorraine Dugoff, and George Saade fully cover the clinically relevant topics that are key to providers who care for pregnant women and couples contemplating pregnancy. It's an ideal resource for Ob/Gyn physicians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and clinical geneticists, as well as midwives, nurse practitioners, and other obstetric providers. - Provides a comprehensive review of basic principles of medical genetics and genetic counseling, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, prenatal screening options, chromosomal microarray analysis, whole exome sequencing, prenatal ultrasound, diagnostic testing, and more. - Contains a chapter on fetal treatment of genetic disorders. - Consolidates today's available information and experience in this important area into one convenient resource.

Genetics in the Clinic

Genetics in the Clinic
Author: Mary Briody Mahowald
Publisher:
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2001
Genre: Medical
ISBN:

Genetics in the Clinicprovides a broad understanding of advances in genetics and their implications for primary care practice. The book begins with basic concepts in genetics, diagnosis and management of genetic disease, cancer genetics, and prenatal testing. Part Two deals with topics relevant to all areas of primary care, such as cultural and ethnic differences, the role of the nurse, and genetic counselling. Part Threeaddresses ethical or social issues applicable to specific practices. The book's final section considers regulatory matters, including the impact of managed care and insurance and employment issues. Practitioners who are knowledgeable about health care, but who have no special training in genetics, will find this book especially useful as they learn to deal with the clinical, ethical, and social implications of advances in genetics for their practice. Thoroughly explains how to obtain a useful family history, what kind of genetic tests to order and when, how to counsel parents about testing of children, how to counsel for late onset or susceptibility conditions, and how to identify those for whom cancer risk or other risk testing is appropriate. Expert perspectives on disability, ethnic, gender, and class differences, reflecting the wide variety of patients seen by today's practitioners. Glossary of genetic terms and extensive bibliography of print and electronic sources - useful for clinicians who want to update their practice or for explaining complex terminology to patients. Dr. McKusick is world-renowned for his expertise in the field of human genetics and specific genetic conditions. Contributors have been trained in various areas of primary care: obstetrics, paediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, and nursing

Principles of Medical Genetics

Principles of Medical Genetics
Author: Thomas D. Gelehrter
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Total Pages: 444
Release: 1998
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780683034455

A Guide to Genetic Counseling

A Guide to Genetic Counseling
Author: Wendy R. Uhlmann
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 647
Release: 2011-09-20
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1118210530

The first book devoted exclusively to the principles and practice of genetic counseling—now in a new edition First published in 1998, A Guide to Genetic Counseling quickly became a bestselling and widely recognized text, used nationally and internationally in genetic counseling training programs. Now in its eagerly anticipated Second Edition, it provides a thoroughly revised and comprehensive overview of genetic counseling, focusing on the components, theoretical framework, and unique approach to patient care that are the basis of this profession. The book defines the core competencies and covers the genetic counseling process from case initiation to completion—in addition to addressing global professional issues—with an emphasis on describing fundamental principles and practices. Chapters are written by leaders in the field of genetic counseling and are organized to facilitate academic instruction and skill attainment. They provide the most up-to-date coverage of: The history and practice of genetic counseling Family history Interviewing Case preparation and management Psychosocial counseling Patient education Risk communication and decision-making Medical genetics evaluation Understanding genetic testing Medical documentation Multicultural counseling Ethical and legal issues Student supervision Genetic counseling research Professional development Genetics education and outreach Evolving roles and expanding opportunities Case examples A Guide to Genetic Counseling, Second Edition belongs on the syllabi of all medical and human genetics and genetic counseling training programs. It is an indispensable reference for both students and healthcare professionals working with patients who have or are at risk for genetic conditions.