Medical genetics
Published on 23 April 2025
Rapid advances in genetics now make it possible to detect certain diseases more accurately, sometimes from an early age. At the same time, the proliferation of tests offered outside any medical framework raises ethical and legal questions. The Agence de la biomédecine's mission is to oversee the use of genetic tests in medicine, to provide information on both advances and risks, and to enlighten public decision-makers in order to guarantee the controlled, ethical and fair use of all medical genetic examinations.
Supervising genetic testing
The Agence de la biomédecine ensures that genetic tests used for medical purposes are carried out within a secure framework. It authorizes the laboratories that carry out these tests, and grants accreditation to professionals specifically trained to prescribe, interpret and support patients. To guarantee the quality of care, the Agency carries out inspections and coordinates a vigilance system to identify, analyze and prevent incidents or abuses linked to the use of tests. It also draws up best practice recommendations for healthcare professionals, and each year supports research projects in this field.
Informing, supporting and informing public decisions
The Agence de la biomédecine provides the general public and healthcare professionals with reliable information on genetic tests: their usefulness, the conditions under which they can be offered, how they are carried out and the limits to their interpretation. It also works to raise awareness of the risks associated with over-the-counter genetic tests, carried out without medical supervision. The Agency collaborates with learned societies and patient associations to promote the sharing of knowledge, and provides its expertise to health authorities and institutions such as the French National Authority for Health and the French National Cancer Institute. Lastly, it constantly monitors scientific advances, international practices and emerging legal frameworks, in order to inform public authorities and legislators in their healthcare policy choices.
Share