Genetic Testing and Counseling · USMLE Step 1

Why is confidentiality especially important in genetic testing and counseling?

  1. Because genetic data is personal and can affect relatives and insurability
  2. Because genetic data are always completely anonymous once collected
  3. Because such information determines a person's ancestry only
  4. Because test results are never shared back with the patient
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Because genetic data is personal and can affect relatives and insurability

Genetic information can affect not only the person tested but also their biological relatives; there are social and ethical implications (e.g. insurability, discrimination), so confidentiality is critical.

Difficulty: Medium Question 6 of 20

Practice all 20 Genetic Testing and Counseling questions

Keep practicing

More Genetic Testing and Counseling questions