Genetic Information in the Workplace

Genomics is the science of specific variations of the genes with in each individual’s genome. Genomic information is used medically to diagnose people’s current state of health as well as to [Page 1561]predict how their health will fare in the future, forensically to establish identities, and genealogically to reveal ancestry. More, as well as more economical, tests have become available, so it no longer is uncommon for individuals to learn about their own genomes. As patients, people may be prescribed genetic testing to diagnose or predict their own or their family member’s symptoms and identify effective interventions. Even when there is no question of immediate medical need, as customers of “over-the-counter” personal genomic services, individuals may learn about their biological ancestry, individual traits such as ...