[Genetic testing and bioethics].

Abstract

Genetic counseling is fundamental before and after the genetic testing, especially presymptomatic genetic testing. However, there is no official system for genetic counseling in Japan. We propose the multidisciplinary approach to genetic counseling, which might become available in the Japanese medical system. Shinshu University Hospital established a division of clinical and molecular genetics as one of its central service departments in 1996. It was officially approved by Ministry of Education in 2000. Our division is composed of several MDs from the departments of neurology, endocrinology, pediatrics, oncology, laboratory medicine and medical genetics, a clinical psychologist, and a genetic nurse. We have a staff meeting once a week to discuss each case for providing the suitable counseling, and we discuss the ethical, legal and social issues (ELSI). We hope our approach will become familiar to other hospitals, and genetic services in Japan will consequently be improved.