Current Projects

• Title: Reporting DNA-based genetic test results applicable to heritable conditions and/or markers of drug metabolism: the clinical laboratory report as a decision support tool.
  
  Funding Mechanism: Cooperative Agreement
  
  Partner: RAND Corporation
  
  Description: This study is designed to develop and pilot test an integrated system for the laboratory reporting of molecular genetic and pharmacogenetic test results for selected indications and educate health care and laboratory professionals about the test results and their interpretation.
  
  Products anticipated:
  1. A framework for reporting molecular genetic and pharmacogenetic test results useful for reporting test results.
  2. Model reports for simulated medical case scenarios.
  3. Educational programs useful for laboratory and clinical professionals in preparing and understanding test result reports, respectively.
      
  Progress and duration: 3 years, initially funded October, 2007.
   
• Title: Update: Genetics in Clinical Practice - A Team Approach
  
  Funding mechanism: Cooperative Agreement
  
  Partner: Dartmouth College
  
  Description: This program, based on the "Virtual Practicum" model, is intended for health care providers who may see patients with disorders - or who have concerns about disorders - in which knowledge of clinical genetics can positively affect outcomes. It may also be helpful in the training of students in these professions, genetic counselors, medical laboratory professionals, public health professionals, and others who may have an interest in genetic testing. This program takes place in a "Virtual Genetics Clinic," where the learner can participate in a "Virtual Mini-Fellowship" with a master clinician/master teacher (Dr. Ed McCabe). The program's flow and content centers on four simulated patients who have, or are at risk of developing, diseases in which knowledge of clinical genetics can affect outcomes. In some instances, patient outcomes will depend on the management decisions and other actions of the learner. Users are able to visit the Learning Resources Room, in which they can attend lectures, listen to interviews, and search the World Wide Web for relevant information. They can also visit a "CLIA-certified" laboratory to see how genetic tests are done and interpreted. The program is available through the American College of Medical Genetics and the American Medical Association. CME credits for using the program can be obtained from Dartmouth College. This program will be updated and expanded to cover new topics and principles since its release in 2002.
  
  Products anticipated: An updated and expanded version of the training program will be developed.
  
  Progress and Duration: The update is anticipated to be available the latter part of 2009.
   
• Title: Assessing the capacity of newborn screening programs located in state public health laboratories to implement molecular genetic testing
  
  Funding mechanism: Cooperative Agreement
  
  Partner: Wadsworth Center, New York Department of Health
  
  Description: To assess the capacity of state newborn screening laboratories to implement molecular genetic testing, a survey has been implemented to gauge activities in seven key areas:
  1. current offerings
  2. research and development
  3. personnel, training and education
  4. follow-up
  5. quality control materials and proficiency testing
  6. laboratory information systems
  7. partnerships
  
   
  Products anticipated: Analysis of survey results are expected to describe the current state of molecular genetic testing implemented in state newborn screening laboratories and identify challenges that laboratories are facing in implementing such testing.
  
  Progress and Duration: It is anticipated this project will be completed the latter part of 2008.

Accomplishments

• "Genetic Testing in Clinical Practice: A Team Approach"
  
  Type: Cooperative agreement with Dartmouth Medical School
  
  Progress: Version 1, Completed 2002
   
• "Medical Genetics Test Reporting"
  
  Type: Cooperative Agreement with Tulane School of Public health and Tropical Medicine and Tulane School of Medicine
  
  Progress: Completed, 2001
   
• "Genomic Competencies for the Public Health Workforce"
  
  Type: CDC-initiated
  
  Progress: Completed, 2001
   
• "Genes: the Ultimate Survivors – Implications of the New State of Genetic Testing of Laboratory Practice"
  
  Type: CDC & National Laboratory Training Network initiated
  
  Progress: Completed, 2001
   
• "Genetics for the Public’s Health"
  
  Type: CDC & National Laboratory Training Network initiated
  
  Progress: Delivered, 2001
   

Past Meetings

• "Communication: Key to Appropriate Genetic Test Referral, Result Reporting and Interpretation"
  May 2-3, 2003, New York, New York

 
• "Effectively Communicating Health Information Pertinent to Genetic Testing: The Clinical/Laboratory Interface"
  November 9, 2005