Publications

Molecular Genetic Testing in New Zealand

Date of publication: October 2003

• Summary
• Publication availability
• Publishing information
• Background papers

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Summary

This report makes 20 recommendations to the New Zealand Minister of Health to manage the risks inherent in the rapidly-changing environment of genetic testing.

Based on international literature, an estimated 40 to 60 percent of New Zealanders will experience a disease with some genetic component. Genetic technologies have the potential to help many of them.

This report from the National Health Committee (NHC) identifies some of the risks associated with an expected increase in demand for genetic testing and makes recommendations to minimise those risks.

The findings of the NHC are that clinical genetic services are not sufficiently well resourced to meet the increase in demand. The number of geneticists and genetic counsellors falls well short of international standards, and there are no pathways for increasing capacity. In addition, laboratory quality assurance mechanisms are inadequate and there is a general lack of GP knowledge about genetic testing. It further found that inappropriate ordering of genetic tests is widespread and where test requests do not go through Genetic Services, there is no scrutiny for inappropriate ordering.

Report recommendations include:

• International developments on the assessment and evaluation of new tests be monitored for their applicability to New Zealand
• Dependent upon a suitable framework being developed, new genetic tests be funded on the basis of their clinical validity and utility
• The genetics workforce be increased to meet internationally-recommended levels
• The provision of genetic services be funded and co-ordinated nationally, with regional delivery
• The frequency of peer review for genetic testing laboratories be increased to once every two years
• Protocols be developed for each test approved for use, such as consent protocols, and when and how each test should be used
• A process be devised for the development of such protocols including involvement from medical geneticists, other health professionals, consumer groups and disabled peoples’ organisations.

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Publication availability

This publication is available in PDF format below:

Molecular Genetic Testing in New Zealand (PDF, 156 KB)

This publication is also available in hard copy. You can order a copy by emailing moh@wickliffe.co.nz or calling 04 496 2277 quoting HP number 3730. Please let us know your name, your physical address and how many copies you would like.

Go to information about downloading publications

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Publishing information

Date of publication: October 2003

ISBN: (Book) 0-478-25335
ISBN: (Internet) 0-478-25336

HP 3730

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Background papers

Some Practical Aspects of Genetic Testing in New Zealand
Literature Scan: Utility and Funding of Genetic Testing
Genetic Testing: A survey of New Zealand General Practitioners’ Knowledge and Practice