The Human Genome Project: view from the National Institutes of Health

Because nearly all human disease is influenced by heritable alterations in the structure or function of genes, the issues and principles of medical genetics are coming to bear across medical disciplines. This "genetics revolution" is driven by the rapid pace in which scientists are identifying and isolating genes linked to human disease and is a direct outcome of the Human Genome Project. DNA tests are proving to be the most immediate commercial application of gene discovery, and the one seen most frequently by clinicians. To handle the growing populations who will seek genetic technologies as part of their health care, services must be expanded to help guide patients through the testing process so they make informed decisions about genetic testing. Care-givers will need to know not only about the medical benefits and risks of genetic technologies, but also about the psychosocial and legal implications of these technologies in the public arena. Until these issues are resolved, the technical ability to perform tests for DNA mutations should not be confused with a mandate to offer them. Safeguards must be in place to ensure that these tests are used wisely, maximizing their potential benefits to patients and minimizing their potential risks.