Private screening

Taking up offers of private health screening, outside of the NHS, is becoming increasingly popular as people seek assurance that they are not suffering from a serious health problem and as more companies advertise the private screening services that they provide.

The UK NSC's advice on this issue for GPs can be found below. A guide for the public in England is also now available.

Genetic Testing

The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) has published a "Common Framework of Principles" for direct-to-consumer genetic testing services which aims to ensure that people who choose to buy genetic tests themselves can have confidence that the companies selling them follow basic principles of consent, data protection, truth in marketing, scientific rigour and balanced interpretation.

» Read the HGC's press release.