Slide 39

Technical Concerns

Before gene tests become generally available, specialists and society at large must come to grips with major technical, ethical, and economic concerns.

If widespread gene testing becomes a reality, it will be necessary to develop tests that are simple, cost-effective, and accurate. Testing thousands to millions of people will require many new labs and personnel as well as more genetic counselors. And widespread gene testing will require that many health care providers have a basic understanding of genetic principles in order to interpret the tests.