OECD Press Release Genetic testing: healthcare of the future?
Genetics is playing an increasingly important role in health
care. New technical advances and information deriving from human
genome research are changing health care practices and the
economics of healthcare provision. These advances have broad
social implications, particularly with the prospect in the
future of a significant increase in the choice of genetic tests
on the market. Can there be equitable access to such testing?
What is the impact of offering tests for conditions for which
there is no effective medical treatment at present? What are the
quality guarantees for genetic testing, and should there be
international standards? An OECD workshop on genetic testing
held in Vienna on 23-25 February was devoted to the discussion
of ways to optimise health care benefits while protecting
individuals and their families from the potential of
discrimination on the basis of the testing. Participants,
including experts from 17 OECD countries, represent