The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) endorses the use of multi-gene panel tests when clinically warranted and appropriately applied.  These tests can provide a comprehensive and efficient route to identifying the genetic causes of disease.  Before ordering a multi-gene panel test, providers should thoroughly evaluate the analytic and clinical validity of the test, as well as its clinical utility.  Additional factors to consider include, but are not limited to:  clinical and family history information, gene content of the panel, limitations of the sequencing and informatics technologies, and variant interpretation and reporting practices.

Panels magnify the complexities of genetic testing and underscore the value of experts, such as genetic counselors, who can educate stakeholders about appropriate utilization of the technology to mitigate risks of patient harm and unnecessary costs to the healthcare system.  NSGC supports straightforward and transparent pricing so that patients, providers, laboratories, and health plans can easily weigh the value of genetic testing in light of its cost. (Adopted 2017; Reaffirmed 2020 and 2023)

Do you have positive or constructive feedback regarding this statement? Please submit a comment to be considered during by the NSGC Position Statement Workgroup (PSW) when the statement is up for review. Comments can be submitted anonymously. Log-in is required as this feedback option is available only to NSGC members. Please note that submitting feedback is unlikely to lead to a direct response from the PSW. Comments will be considered when the position statement is reviewed.

Back to Position Statements