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Advances in genetic technology are having a major impact in the clinic, and mean that many perceptions of the role and scope of genetic testing are having to change. Genomic testing brings with it a greater opportunity for diagnosis, or predictions of future diagnoses, but also an increased chance of uncertain or unexpected findings, many of which may have impacts for multiple members of a person's family. In the past, genetic testing was rarely able to provide rapid results, but the increasing speed and availability of genomic testing is changing this, meaning that genomic information is increasingly influencing decisions around patient care in the acute inpatient setting. The landscape of treatment options for genetic conditions is shifting, which has evolving implications for clinical discussions around previously untreatable disorders. Furthermore, the point of access to testing is changing with increasing provision direct to the consumer outside the formal healthcare setting. This review outlines the ways in which genetic medicine is developing in light of technological advances.

Original publication

DOI

10.1042/cs20180436

Type

Journal article

Journal

Clinical science (London, England : 1979)

Publication Date

03/2019

Volume

133

Pages

697 - 708

Addresses

Clinical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom r.h.horton@soton.ac.uk.

Keywords

Animals, Humans, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Predictive Value of Tests, Genetics, Medical, Genomics, Pharmacogenetics, Phenotype, Diffusion of Innovation, Genetic Testing, Genetic Therapy, Precision Medicine