As more diagnostic, screening, and monitoring tests based on genetic data become available, privacy issues are becoming increasingly important. There are concerns that the results of genetic tests showing a person to be pre-disposed to a particular disease will fall into the hands of commercial medical suppliers or financial, legal, insurance, or government agencies, all of which control important products or services.

The confidentiality of medical information is of paramount importance to most consumers and patients. However, maintaining confidentiality is made difficult by the use of large medical record databases and other electronically stored records, to which any number of individuals may have access.

Important personal information, such as a person's DNA, can be gleaned from blood samples. Proper labeling and secure storage of blood samples helps to protect patient privacy.

The Potential for Misuse of Medical Records

Medical records can be misused unless they are coded to...