Identification of Genetic Susceptibility to Common Diseases: The Case for Regulation

There is, and will continue to be, pressure to disseminate and market population-wide availability of genetic susceptibility tests for common, complexly determined diseases. Many of the claims for such genetic screening tests are made by parties who stand to gain: laboratories, service providers, biotechnology firms, scientists working in genetics. Despite the fact that there is little or no evidence to support the claims of benefit, the current lack of appropriate regulation means there is a danger that promotion and advertising will nevertheless be successful in marketing such testing. Some suggestions as to the content of possible regulation are made, and some impediments to the implementation of regulation are discussed.