July 2003
For purposes of the EGE opinion, the term ‘genetic testing’ includes both genetic screening and genetic monitoring. Many of the other opinions summarised here do not make specific reference to genetic monitoring and do not specify whether it is included in the term genetic testing.
The EGE opinion furthermore specifies that its definition of genetic testing for opinion no. 18 includes the analysis of gene products, insofar as they reveal characteristics of a person’s genetic disposition. For example, non-DNA based genetic screening is also considered a form of genetic testing.
The EGE’s opinion also views the analysis of family history as a genetic test, again insofar as it reveals characteristics of an individual’s genetic disposition.