Abstract
<h3>Background</h3> To assist the Genetics Working Party (GWP) in a review of current genetic testing arrangements nationally, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RPCA) was contracted by the Department of Health and Ageing to conduct its second survey of genetic testing in Australia. The Survey aimed to document medical genetic testing performed during 2011, by NATA-accred-ited cytogenetics, biochemical genetics and molecular genetics laboratories. Information was sought regarding volumes and types of testing available, the purposes of testing and sources of funding. <h3>Study design</h3> 100% of invited laboratories participated. Data were collected by electronic means and then collated for analysis and comparison with previous data. <h3>Key findings</h3> Close to 670 000 medical genetic assays were performed across all disciplines in 2011. Since 2006, there has been an increase in volume and range of molecular genetic assays performed annually. However, the proportion of assays funded by the Medicare benefits Schedule (MBS) has changed little, and overseas testing remains a small proportion of total assays requested nationally. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The Survey provides representative data that can be used to describe current practices and trends in medical genetic testing in Australia. Introduction of ongoing collection of national medical genetic testing data using a system that is shown to be valid and reliable may be worth considering.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.