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P. Morrison, writing in the Lancet, takes the UK Government to task for some aspects of its response (full text) to the Human Genetics Advisory Commissions recommendations on the use of genetic test results by insurance companies [Morrison, P.J. (1998) Lancet 352, 1647-1648]. In particular, Morrison takes issue with the Government's decision not to accept the HGAC's advice that there should be at least a two-year moratorium on requiring individuals to disclose to a potential insurer the results of any genetic tests they have undergone. Instead, the Government believes that the way forward is to ensure that insurers can only use the results of tests that are judged actuarially sound by an independent evaluation procedure (involving the Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing plus actuaries and representatives from the insurance industry).

Comment: The list of tests Morrison quotes as being under consideration by the insurance industry does appear to give some cause for alarm. It includes APOE testing for Alzheimer's disease susceptibility, which has not been recommended by any of the bodies that have considered it (see Alzheimer's disease summary). Presumably the ACGT would not authorise the use of such a test at this stage. The list also includes some conditions for which testing and early diagnosis are important for good prognosis; it is important that individuals should not be discouraged from taking such tests by fears of difficulties in obtaining insurance. The hope must be that the Government's avowed intention to keep a close watch on developments will head off potential problems before any damage is done.