Ross and Moon offered ethical guidelines for genetic testing. Genetic testing of children is one of the most sensitive areas.
Considerations:
(1) symptomatic child
(2) child from a high risk family
(3) genetic disease that is a threat to public health
(4) genetic disease in which early diagnosis can significantly reduce morbidity and/or mortality
Genetic testing is indicated if:
(1) The child is symptomatic and a genetic condition is suspected.
(2) The child is from a high risk family and early diagnosis can reduce morbidity and/or mortality.
(3) There is a condition which has sufficient public health impact to justify universal screening.
Genetic testing is not indicated if:
(1) The child is symptomatic but a genetic condition is not suspected.
(2) The child is not from a high risk family, there are no public health reasons for testing and early diagnosis does not decrease morbidity and/or mortality.
Genetic testing is controversial if:
(1) The child is from a high risk family and early diagnosis does not impact morbidity and/or mortality.
(2) The child is not from a high risk family, there are no public health reasons for testing and early diagnosis may decrease morbidity and/or mortality. This may be justifiable in targeted persons with specific risk factors.
