Madam, - I wish to clarify the statements by Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick in his article on medical error (Opinion, January 22nd), in relation to medical genetics. He indicated that the speciality of medical genetics has a 50 per cent error rate. This is manifestly incorrect.
Medical genetics has many aspects. One aspect is obtaining a diagnosis in children with a significant learning disability and congenital anomalies. Internationally, as well as in Ireland, medical geneticists are able to achieve such a diagnosis in about 50 per cent of such children.
However, the fact that no diagnosis is obtained in the remaining 50 per cent of children is not an error, but a reflection of the current limitations of medical knowledge and genetic science. As Mr Fitzpatrick correctly states, the likelihood of making such a diagnosis will undoubtedly increase in the future.
Another aspect of medical genetics is genetic testing and counselling in families with known genetic disorders. The National Centre for Medical Genetics carries out over 8,000 genetic tests of all types annually, and great care is taken over the analysis and interpretation of such tests. Families having genetic tests through the centre are counselled by expert clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors to ensure that all aspects of genetic test results are considered.
The error rate for such tests is minimal, and is within the Royal College of Pathologists recognised error rate of less than 1 per cent. The centre also partakes successfully in international quality assurance schemes for genetic testing, and co-ordinates such schemes at European level.
I would also like to assure all those people who have had genetic tests carried out in the National Centre for Medical Genetics that there are tight procedures and protocols in place to ensure the accuracy of their genetic test result, and that these measures are regularly reviewed. - Yours, etc.,
ANDREW J. GREEN, Professor of Medical Genetics, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin 12.