Genetic screening: whose responsibility?

P. T. Rowley

Genetic screening offers the possibility of reducing the suffering due to genetic defects. For the foreseeable future, genetic screening by lay or governmental organizations can do only a small part of the job needed. Hence, the major responsibility falls on the personal physician. A careful family history is the best single genetic screening device. Discussing genetic risks with patients requires careful attention to the patient's difficulties in understanding the concept of probability, his psychological defense reactions, and differences in individual values. For complex cases, help is available in your region.