What is a genetic test, and why does it matter?

How the term 'genetic test' is defined, matters for social policy. The past few years have witnessed many efforts to enact legal barriers specifically against genetic discrimination, To the extent that information derived fro m genetic tests receives special protection, both enthusiasts for genetic m edicine and those who stress its perils have an incentive to adopt a broad interpretation of genetic testing. However, the consequences have not alway s been those anticpated.