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Article: Genetic testing: understanding the basics: the most challenging aspect of ordering genetic testing is not understanding the tests themselves, but rather educating patients so that they truly understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of testing.(Genomic Medicine)
- Article from:
- JAAPA-Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants
- Article date:
- January 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Haymarket Media, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The AAPA has formally recognized the importance of genetic testing in a recent policy statement: "AAPA believes that practicing physician assistants should be aware of the advantages, limitations and dangers of testing for human genetic conditions." (1) Additionally, AAPA advises "... PAs to be familiar with the benefits and risks of genetic testing, to appropriately counsel patients, and to obtain informed consent before ordering tests. PAs should be able to tell patients how well a particular genetic risk factor correlates with likelihood of developing disease and discuss possible consequences of positive results (eg, should family members be notified), while ...