Examining the public provision and funding of clinical genetic tests
Publication year: 2017
Since the completion of the Human Genome Project
in the 1990s, there have been rapid advances of
research in the area of genetics and genomics.(1)
When combined with evolving medical technologies
this has meant that the use of genetic testing and
screening are increasingly common in the health
system. Genetic tests can offer benefits for the
diagnosis and treatment of conditions, identification
of predisposition to a genetic disease, and even the
tailoring of drugs and therapies to an individual’s
genetic profile. In recent years however, there has
been a large increase in the use of genetic tests,
largely as a response to both the improved accuracy
and availability of these tests, as well as to patient
demands for enhanced personalized health
information