Inconclusive genetic testing

October 17, 2008

Genetic testing is all the rage, as was profiled recently in the NY Times. A recent study however, said that an inconclusive test result can just be as distressing as a positive result:

The findings are based on assessments of the long-term psychological adjustment of 215 women who had undergone BRCA testing. Of the group, 37 tested positive for a gene mutation, 31 received a true negative, and 147 got an inconclusive result.

The majority of genetic test results are inconclusive. Without the proper genetic counseling, plenty of patients will be needlessly worried. Which is why these tests are not yet ready for mainstream use.