Pedigree
Confidentiality
Pedigrees contain very personal and identifying information about families. It is therefore essential that pedigrees be kept confidential. This is important not only in the genetic counseling clinic or research group, but also within the family. It is unethical to share information given about family members with other family members, insurance companies, or other professionals not involved in the genetic counseling sessions or research study. Information about individuals should only be released with proper written consent by that individual.
SEE ALSO DISEASE, GENETICS OF; GENETIC COUNSELING; HUMAN DISEASE GENES, IDENTIFICATION OF; INHERITANCE PATTERNS.
Elizabeth C. Melvin
Bibliography
Bennett, Robin L., et al. "Recommendations for Standardized Human PedigreeNomenclature." American Journal of Human Genetics 56 (1995): 743-752.
Stroop, Jennifer B. "The Family History as a Screening Tool." Pediatric Annals 29 (2000): 279-282.
Internet Resource
March of Dimes. "Taking a Family Health and Social History." <http://www.fullcirc.com/mod/outlines/family/history.htm>.
Additional topics
Medicine EncyclopediaGenetics in Medicine - Part 3Pedigree - Use Of Pedigrees, Terminology, Drawing And Recording Pedigrees, Confidentiality