METHOD FOR PROVIDING CURRENT ASSESSMENTS OF GENETIC RISK
This invention concerns an integrated method for providing individuals with current assessments of genetic risk based on genetic tests and genomic research. While existing genetic tests can provide an estimate of genetic risk for many common diseases, genomic research is expected to provide a large number of new genetic test that will enable more definitive assessments of an individuals risk of disease. The invention provides an integrated method and systems for providing individuals with a current assessments of their genetic risk based on such advances. This method has utility in enabling individuals and healthcare professions to use genetic tests in important healthcare and lifestyle decisions.
1 . A method for performing assessment of genetic risk for an individual concerned about a specific clinical outcome comprising:
obtaining patient consent for genetic testing and assessment of genetic risk for said outcome;
obtaining a sample for DNA testing from said patient;
initial testing of said sample for genes and variations known to be involved in said genetic risk for said outcome;
counseling said patient on test results and assessment of genetic risk; recording said patient's identity, consent record, contact information,
clinical concerns, and genetic test results in a secure and private matter; monitoring genomic research for genes and variations that contribute to said clinical outcome;
notifying said patient concerning newly discovered genes and variations that contribute to said genetic risk;
re-testing said sample DNA for newly discovered genes and variations that contribute to genetic risk; and counseling said patient on said test results and current assessment of genetic risk,
wherein said method is performed using a system of networked computers comprising software for organization of database information, secure transactions, web browser readable documents and forms, software for searching online documentation regarding genetic research.