Genetics

Use genetics and genetic testing responsibly to decrease your company's health costs
By Kelley Keith Genetic testing offers a number of important opportunities to identify genetic disorders and diseases. Genetic biotech companies are essential in determining the importance of genetic research in the development of scientific discoveries. Agricultural businesses can use genetics to boost livestock and crop production. Using genetics in business also applies to the company workforce and can be very controversial. For instance, some complain that companies could possibly use genetics testing to discriminate against employees that have a genetic makeup predisposed to certain diseases.
 

If your company uses genetic research and testing properly, it can be very beneficial. However, it's important to know how to define its responsible use. Discriminating based on genetics is something that violates most company's business ethics. There are a variety of information sources available to businesses and researchers within the field that offer the latest and the greatest discoveries and genetics inquiries.

1. Identify the pros and cons of using genetic testing in your company.

2. Contact the regulatory agencies that monitor genetics testing.

3. Employ the services of a genetic biotechnology company.

Use the available genetic testing information to its business applications

Genetics testing is not something a company should employ without much forethought. That's why it's important that your company understand the opportunities and threats involved in genetic testing. There are a myriad of privacy issues at stake. There's also the potential for using the information to discriminate against the tested workers.
Try: Use the articles at HR Benefits Alert, Business Week and the Workplace Privacy Counsel. These articles should give your company an idea of how to formulate a genetic testing policy for the business.

Speak to the agencies that monitor biotechnology genetics testing

Before your company makes the ultimate decision to implement a human genetics testing policy, speak to the people that are experts in the field. These agencies cannot only advise to your company, but also recommend companies with good genetics testing track record.
Try: Contact the National Human Genome Research Institute and ask for any advice or references about DNA services that they could provide for your company. Use the Genetics and Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins to make an informed decision about genetics testing.

Compare and purchase molecular genetics services

If your company decides to employ genetic testing, you can either go through your health insurance company or provide the service yourself. Using your insurance can be a problem because some believe that insurance will raise the rates on employees if the test determines a high risk of certain diseases. Hiring a testing company can be very expensive, but it could save money from the possibility of raised insurance premiums.
Try: Compare DNA testing companies using the resources available at DNA Junction, which rates the services of these companies. Contact the genetic professionals at Medicheck for corporate screening rates.

• Evaluate the need for genetic services prior to hiring a company to perform these services to determine their value, and compare services for their reputation.