Molecular testing for cystic fibrosis carrier status practice guidelines: recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

To provide practice recommendations for genetic counselors whose clients are considering cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier testing or seeking information regarding CF molecular test results. The goals of these recommendations are to: 1) Provide updated information about the natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of CF and related conditions. 2) Supplement genetic counselors' knowledge and understanding of the available carrier screening and diagnostic testing options.

Genetic testing insurance coverage trends: a review of publicly available policies from the largest US payers.

Aim: Health plan coverage policies can influence utilization of genetic tests. Our goal was to characterize the current state of test-related policies from US private payers.

Methods: We searched the public websites of 206 insurers for coverage policies.

Analysis of insurance preauthorization requests for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing: experience of the Humana Genetic Guidance Program.

Unlabelled: Published evidence-based guidelines help healthcare providers identify appropriate individuals for BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Health plans often use these guidelines to help make coverage and reimbursement decisions. Humana, a major health plan, launched the Humana Genetic Guidance Program to further facilitate the appropriate use of genetic testing through education.

The soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator BAY 41-2272 inhibits vascular smooth muscle growth through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathways.

Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) proliferation and migration are key components in vessel remodeling. Cyclic nucleotide signaling is protective and has long-served as a therapeutic target against undesired VSM growth. The present work analyzed the effects of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator 3-(4-amino-5-cyclopropylpyrimidine-2-yl)-1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine [BAY 41-2272 (BAY)] on VSM growth, and we hypothesize that BAY has the capacity to reduce proliferation and migration via cyclic nucleotide-driven kinase signaling.

HLA-B*5701 clinical testing: early experience in the United States.

HLA-B*5701 testing to provide risk stratification for abacavir hypersensitivity has the potential to reduce incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals. Early experience with clinical HLA-B*5701 testing of the first 100 specimens, from a large clinical reference laboratory in the United States, is presented. Patient samples were tested using a two-step approach.

Colorectal cancer screening using stool DNA analysis in clinical practice: early clinical experience with respect to patient acceptance and colonoscopic follow-up of abnormal tests.

Background: Stool-based DNA screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) was recently made available for use in daily clinical practice (PreGen-Plus). The main objectives of this study were to examine patients' screening experiences with stool DNA testing in routine clinical practice and the results of diagnostic colonoscopy in patients with an antecedent abnormal stool DNA test.

Patients And Methods: Patients undergoing stool-based DNA testing were asked to complete and return via mail an anonymous 10-item questionnaire inquiring about their test-related experiences.

Cystic fibrosis prenatal screening in genetic counseling practice: recommendations of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

For over a decade, prenatal screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been considered a model for the integration of genetic testing into routine medical practice. Data from pilot studies and public policy discourse have led to recommendations by some professional organizations that CF screening should be offered or made available to pregnant women and their partners, and to couples planning a pregnancy. It is crucial that genetic counselors gain thorough understanding of the complexities of CF and the implications of positive test results, so that they may serve as a reliable, educated referral base and resource for health care providers and their patients.