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module menu icon Ethics of testing and data protection

Use of PGx profiles has been criticised by those who argue that some manufacturers and sellers overstate their usefulness and are profiting from their sales at a time when the clinical benefit is unclear. 

Another issue relates to how an individual’s DNA samples are used and who ‘owns’ them. This raises concerns about data protection, confidentiality, who may get access to the DNA results and how testing is regulated. Furthermore, these results may well convey more information than that just related to drug metabolism. An extreme example might be somebody who wishes to check parentage and gets hold of the information inappropriately in a search
for biological proof. 

Another extreme example is finding genetic abnormalities that have major health implications but that are not amenable to therapy. If this occurs, questions would be raised over how the patient might be informed and how that might affect their psychological wellbeing. In this instance genetic counselling may be indicated.

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