Genomic medicine and thrombotic risk: who, when, how and why?

Major advances in Human Genome research could significantly change the clinical medical practice, providing new possibilities for both diagnosing and treating common pathologies. Many genetic tests are now commercially available for predicting future risk of common disorders. However, genetic testing has potential benefits but also limitations for the patients, and it should not be used to 'screen' the general population. Diagnostic assays for a predisposition of both venous and arterial thrombosis are among the most requested genetic tests in molecular diagnostics laboratories. However, there is considerable uncertainty as to how this information should be utilized in patient management. Both the medical community and the patients need to obtain accurate information concerning the appropriate use of genetic testing. The purpose of this article is to discuss the usefulness and the practical applications of thrombotic genetic testing in order to define which patients should be tested for both venous and arterial thrombotic risk as well as to have an acceptable cost/benefit ratio and to prevent patients' anxiety.