Social Networkers' Attitudes Toward Direct-to-Consumer Personal Genome Testing
by Amy McGuire, Christina M Diaz, Susan G Hilsenbeck, Tao Wang
2009. The American Journal of Bioethics 9(7):3

Abstract/Extract
Purpose: To explore social networkers’ interest in and attitudes toward personal genome testing (PGT) and its clinical integration.

Methods: An online survey of 1,087 social networkers was conducted. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize respondents’ characteristics and responses.

Results: 6% of respondents have used PGT, 64% would consider using PGT, and 30% would not use PGT. Of those who would consider using PGT, 74% would use it to gain knowledge about disease in their family and 78% would ask their physician to help interpret test results. 61% of all respondents believe physicians have a professional obligation to help interpret results and 34% consider PGT results a medical diagnosis.

Conclusion: Respondents express interest in using PGT, primarily for purposes related to medical care and expect physicians to help interpret PGT results. Physicians should be prepared for patient demands for information and counsel on the basis of PGT results.