Nurse educators are certainly being encouraged to incorporate genetic information into our curricula. This information can prove to be confusing or daunting to our students, and sometimes even to us. The NIH now provides a Genetic Testing Registry that can serve as a credible resource to support and enhance understanding of genetic testing. The NIH database provides links to information about at least 2,500 specific inherited diseases and describes genetic testing strategies.

The database can be searched by condition, test, gene, and laboratory performing the tests. Information is provided as to whether the test will sequence an entire gene for mutations, or examine only for specific genetic errors. The laboratories submitting the information are asked to attest to the accuracy of materials provided. Because genetic tests are performed as a laboratory service and not marketed as a medical device, these tests do not require Food and Drug Administration approval. Information available through the database is limited to Mendelian diseases and genes that impact drug metabolism. However, NIH reports plans to include exome, whole-genome sequencing tests, tumor mutations, and direct-to-consumer tests.

Providing students and colleagues with this database can further our understanding of genetic tests. Also, NIH provides valuable data that can assist us in serving as patient advocates for those who may express interest in or need for genetic testing. The database is available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gtr/.

Source: Kaiser J. February 29, 2012. New NIH Database Brings Clarity to Genetic Tests. ScienceInsider. Available at http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2012/02/new-nih-database-brings-clarit. Accessed March 5, 2012.

Submitted by: Robin E. Pattillo, PhD, RN, CNL, news editor at [email protected].