The FASEB Journal, Vol 6, 2813-2817, Copyright © 1992 by The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS

Ethical implications of screening asymptomatic individuals

N Fost
Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School 53792.

There has been a long-standing consensus on the principles that should guide screening asymptomatic individuals whether for treatment, counseling, or research. Advances in molecular biology will increase the rate of new opportunities for such screening. The benefits and risks, for individuals as well as the public health, will vary with each new test. As with all new technologies, these benefits and risks will have to be assessed in well-designed and well-reviewed studies if individuals are to be allowed to make informed decisions regarding whether or not to be tested.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. R. Botkin, E. W. Clayton, N. C. Fost, W. Burke, T. H. Murray, M. A. Baily, B. Wilfond, A. Berg, and L. F. Ross Newborn Screening Technology: Proceed With Caution Pediatrics, May 1, 2006; 117(5): 1793 - 1799. [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. J. Green and J. R. Botkin "Genetic Exceptionalism" in Medicine: Clarifying the Differences between Genetic and Nongenetic Tests Ann Intern Med, April 1, 2003; 138(7): 571 - 575. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]