Have you considered the issue of the patient's consent, or lack thereof, to
these additional tests which may have a very significant, and
disproportionate, effect on such things as life insurance? The adverse
consequences of a positive result might well outweigh any marginal benefit
to the patient.
When I consent to having a blood sample taken from me I certainly do not
give a blanket consent to its use for any and every test in the repertoire.
I consent to a particular test. If I am going to be tested for a condition
such as AAT deficiency, I would only give consent to such a test after a lot
of careful thought.
Robert Forrest
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask]
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Stuart
> Robertson
> Sent: 07 January 2000 10:43
> To: David Williams
> Cc: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Low alpha-1 band on serum protein electrophoresis
>
>
> Our local practice is to measure AAT and determine PI
> phenotype.
> If the phenotype is associated with risk of functional
> AAT deficiency, it is confirmed by genotyping and the
> patient is then referred for clinical assessment and
> counselling (in our case by a consultant in chest
> medicine with an interest in the area).
> We also follow up first degree relatives by AAT and PI
> phenotyping.
> There is now a national register for these patients,
> the Antitrypsin Deficiency Assessment and Programme
> for Treatment (ADAPT), based at QEH in Birmingham.
>
>
>
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