PURPOSE: To characterize current practices and attitudes regarding testing adolescents for carrier status. METHODS: Electronic survey of 294 genetic service providers from various professional organizations. Testing for predisposition and presymptomatic conditions was excluded from this study. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of providers had received requests to test adolescents for carrier status. Of these, 84% have performed testing. Providers cited adolescent desire, sexual activity/pregnancy, and adolescent competence as the main reasons for testing. Some providers who performed testing found the current guidelines unhelpful. CONCLUSION: Testing adolescents for carrier status is common for at least some conditions. The guidelines regarding genetic testing of adolescents may need to be updated to reflect current concerns and practices.
PURPOSE: To characterize current practices and attitudes regarding testing adolescents for carrier status. METHODS: Electronic survey of 294 genetic service providers from various professional organizations. Testing for predisposition and presymptomatic conditions was excluded from this study. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent of providers had received requests to test adolescents for carrier status. Of these, 84% have performed testing. Providers cited adolescent desire, sexual activity/pregnancy, and adolescent competence as the main reasons for testing. Some providers who performed testing found the current guidelines unhelpful. CONCLUSION: Testing adolescents for carrier status is common for at least some conditions. The guidelines regarding genetic testing of adolescents may need to be updated to reflect current concerns and practices.
Authors: Kathleen J H Sparbel; Martha Driessnack; Janet K Williams; Debra L Schutte; Toni Tripp-Reimer; Meghan McGonigal-Kenney; Lori Jarmon; Jane S Paulsen Journal: J Genet Couns Date: 2008-03-18 Impact factor: 2.537