DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating double helix structure that is present in almost all living organisms and carries genetic information. They are unique for each individual; are the distinctive characteristics or qualities of an organism. A genetic test is defined as “an analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins or metabolites, to detect genotypes, mutations or chromosomal changes”. (TERRY) Now why do we care who, where and how this information is transmitted? When people agree to be tested for certain conditions, other results may also appear. For example, you are tested for breast cancer, but during that test they also discover that you have the gene that could predispose you to heart disease. The question that would arise would be whether or not this information should be disclosed to patients. Having the genes that can cause a range of problems does not determine the development of these problems. Inform patients that these possibilities could be positive or negative. Knowing one's own DNA could be positive as these mutations or genes could seriously affect the individual(s) and in the case of having children they might choose to screen their gametes so that the gene(s) are detected. the mutation does not continue in their lineage. Negative responses might also arise. This knowledge could forever limit the extent to which one lives one's life. These genetic tests show that the gene or mutation is present, but they do not say for sure that this gene or mutation would be active. It could remain dormant for their entire lives, but since it is not known, people would always live in fear of it happening. A person's DNA contains a wealth of information about themselves, this information is p...... middle of paper ......law-abiding citizens. The problem with these databases is that they could be targeted by hackers or misused by government officials. Works cited1. Callier, Shawneequa L., John Huss and Eric T. Juengst. “GINA and Pre-Employment Criminal Background Checks.” The Hastings Center report January-February. 2010: 15+. Science in context. Internet. May 21, 2014.2. Lerner, Adrienne Wilmoth. “Individual Rights to Privacy.” Biotechnology: in context. Ed. Brenda Wilmoth Lerner and K. Lee Lerner. Detroit: Gale, 2012. In Context Series. Science in context. Internet. May 21, 2014.3. Terry, Sharon F. “Insurance Protections Under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.” Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers 13.6 (2009): 709+. Science in context. Internet. May 21, 2014.4. Peikoff, Kira. “Fearing punishment for bad genes.” New York Times April 8, 2014: D1(L). Science in context. Internet. May 22 2014.