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Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
Cases in Precision Medicine: Is There an Obligation to Return Reinterpreted Genetic Results to Former Patients?
Paul S Appelbaum1, Wylie Burke2, Erik Parens3
1Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York (P.S.A.).
Abstract:
Interpretation of many genetic test results can change over time as new data accumulate. Hence, physicians who order genetic tests may subsequently receive revised reports with important implications for patients' medical treatment-even for patients who are no longer in their care. Several of the ethical principles underlying medical practice suggest an obligation to reach out to former patients with this information. Discharging that obligation can be accomplished, at a minimum, by attempting to contact the former patient with their last known contact information.
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