Database grows for genetic tests
This article was originally published in The Gray Sheet
Executive Summary
Sixteen new genetic tests for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of non-cancer diseases and conditions are identified in a Dec. 9 draft technology assessment released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. According to the draft, the report aims to identify genetic tests for non-cancer conditions that are already in clinical practice and applicable to the Medicare population, as well as create one-page summaries on each test for a public electronic database that will separately include information on genetic tests for cancers. The tech assessment describes eight pharmacogenetic tests for non-cancer conditions - such as for warfarin dosing and sensitivity, and clopidogrel non-responsiveness - and eight tests for genetic disease association, including those that identify risk for psoriasis arthritis, heart disease and periodontal disease. AHRQ will take comments through Jan. 8, 2010