Health and Fitness

American Academy of Pediatrics Issues New Guidance on Genetic Testing of Children


Elk Grove Village, IL–(ENEWSPF)–February 21, 2013.

Genetic testing and screening of minors is widespread, and testing is done routinely on virtually all newborns. In the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, “Ethical and Policy Issues in GeneticTesting and Screening of Children,” in the March 2013 issue of Pediatrics (published online Thursday, Feb. 21), the AAP and the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) issue recommendations on updated technologies and new uses of genetic testing and screening. Both the AAP and ACMG agree that the best interest of the child should be the principle factor on whether to offer testing and screening. Both the AAP and ACMG support mandatory genetic screening for all newborns. Parents or guardians should have the right to refuse newborn screening after being informed about the significant benefits and improbable risks. Most genetic testing beyond the newborn period is done on children with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or multiple anomalies for diagnostic purposes. Genetic testing of older children may increase as data and knowledge expand. The recommendations on predictive testing are now divided into conditions that occur in childhood and those that occur in adulthood. For children at risk of childhood-onset conditions, testing is permitted with parental consent, and when feasible, the child’s assent. Testing for adult-onset conditions is discouraged, but exceptions can be made with appropriate counseling and the consent of the parent and child. Given the rapid advances in genetics and genomics, pediatricians and other health care providers need to stay informed and updated on best practices. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.

Source: aap.org

 


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