Handbook of Genomics and the Family

Today s consumer can send a company a DNA sample and receive a detailed set of genetic test results in return all without ever visiting a health care provider. Although knowing one s personal risk for serious disease may lead some individuals to make more informed health choices, an ever-growing set of questions remains: Are predictive genetic tests meaningful? Can the results be harmful as well as helpful? In what ways can genetic information be used by health care providers to predict disease risk and optimize medical management within concerned families? Most important, how might the landscape of genetic testing affect the care of children s health?