Allyse MA, Sayres LC, Havard M, King JS, Greely HT, Hudgins L, Taylor J, Norton ME, Cho MK, Magnus D, Ormond KE. Best ethical practices for clinicians and laboratories in the provision of noninvasive prenatal testing.
Prenat Diagn 2013;
33:656-61. [PMID:
23613322 PMCID:
PMC4057377 DOI:
10.1002/pd.4144]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study is to provide an ethical framework for clinicians and companies providing noninvasive prenatal testing using cell-free fetal DNA or whole fetal cells.
METHOD
In collaboration with a National Institutes of Health-supported research ethics consultation committee together with feedback from an interdisciplinary group of clinicians, members of industry, legal experts, and genetic counselors, we developed a set of best practices for the provision of noninvasive prenatal genetic testing.
RESULTS
Principal recommendations include the amendment of current informed consent procedures to include attention to the noninvasive nature of new testing and the potential for a broader range of results earlier in the pregnancy. We strongly recommend that tests should only be provided through licensed medical providers and not directly to consumers.
CONCLUSION
Prenatal tests, including new methods using cell-free fetal DNA, are not currently regulated by government agencies, and limited professional guidance is available. In the absence of regulation, companies and clinicians should cooperate to adopt responsible best ethical practices in the provision of these tests.
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