Population genetic screening

S. Metcalfe, K. Barlow-Stewart, M.B. Delatycki, Jon Emery

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview article

    5 Citations (Web of Science)

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND Genetic screening programs in Australia are primarily carried out during pregnancy for maternal thalassaemia carrier status, chromosomal conditions and neural tube defects in the fetus, and for a number of conditions in the newborn.OBJECTIVE This article describes these programs and the general practitioner's role, particularly around offering prenatal screening that includes nongenetic aspects (eg. smoking, alcohol), to enable good practice,DISCUSSION General practitioners can be involved in offering prenatal screening and in giving increased risk results from prenatal and newborn screening, with due consideration of informed decision making and counselling about the meaning of the result. Increased risk results from these screening programs are followed up by further testing where required. As genetic contribution to diseases, especially complex common conditions, becomes better understood, more genetic tests will become available. This may impact on the role of the GP in Population genetic screening programs.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)794-800
    JournalAustralian Family Physician
    Volume36
    Issue number10
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

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