Proper Chain of Custody for Genetic Testing Results to Avoid Conflict of Interest

The last few years have marked significant strides in genetic testing, offering unparalleled insights into one's genetic makeup and potential health risks. With the increasing availability of such tests, concerns regarding the handling and protection of sensitive data have naturally emerged. Establishing and adhering to a robust chain of custody for genetic testing results is imperative. It serves to mitigate the risk of conflicts of interest while championing ethical values such as autonomy, confidentiality, and privacy.
Genetic testing insights are deeply personal, often including information about health risks, genetic predispositions, and family lineage. The fidelity of the chain of custody regarding such data is fundamental. It ensures that information is securely acquired, transferred, stored, and accessed. This safeguard is essential to protect the rights of the tested individuals and to guard against unauthorized data use. In fi...