McCabe opined that she feels it is not a question of accuracy when it comes to genetic tests.

“It’s more about genetic determinism. I don’t think anyone should place too much emphasis on one genetic test result,” she says.

McCabe suggests if you are thinking about submitting your DNA to a genetic test you should work with a board certified genetic professional who specializes in genetic counseling before deciding to go through with a test.

“There are pros and cons that need to be addressed and often patients find it’s really unnecessary,” says McCabe. “Everyone is at risk for a genetic disease, we just may not know what the specific genes are for every DNA mutation in their family. It is very difficult to reach any real conclusions because the number of disorders which we have genetic testing for is still limited.”

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GENETIC INFORMATION

1. Go under an alias and pay for your genetic testing out of pocket.

2. Ask your doctor if they sell data, if they say they do, tell them you do not grant them the right to disclose your information or your family’s information to third parties without your explicit permission.

3. Ask if there are any “disclosure requirements” in your insurance contract, if so, you may want to reconsider working with that insurance company.

4. Get the adequate confidentiality forms and give them to your physician.

5. Request to “opt out” of the American Medical Association’s database.

6. Contact your representative in Congress.

7. File a complaint form with the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

8. Request a copy of your Medical Information Bureau (MIB) file.

SOURCE: patientprivacyrights.org

This article was originally published by Life Quotes, Inc.