1. Genetic service providers' practices and attitudes regarding adolescent genetic testing for carrier status.
- Author
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Multhaupt-Buell TJ, Lovell A, Mills L, Stanford KE, and Hopkin RJ
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Female, Genetic Testing statistics & numerical data, Humans, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Adolescent Health Services statistics & numerical data, Genetic Testing methods, Genetics, Medical, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Health Personnel, Heterozygote
- Abstract
Purpose: To characterize current practices and attitudes regarding testing adolescents for carrier status., Methods: Electronic survey of 294 genetic service providers from various professional organizations. Testing for predisposition and presymptomatic conditions was excluded from this study., Results: Eighty-three percent of providers had received requests to test adolescents for carrier status. Of these, 84% have performed testing. Providers cited adolescent desire, sexual activity/pregnancy, and adolescent competence as the main reasons for testing. Some providers who performed testing found the current guidelines unhelpful., Conclusion: Testing adolescents for carrier status is common for at least some conditions. The guidelines regarding genetic testing of adolescents may need to be updated to reflect current concerns and practices.
- Published
- 2007
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