GeneScreen, a Population Based, Targeted Genomic Screening Study

The GeneScreen research study was based at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. It brought together researchers from different disciplines, including genetics, clinical medicine, bioethics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and public health, to study the best ways to offer targeted genetic screening to the general adult population. DNA samples were collected from people who joined GeneScreen to look at a targeted panel of 17 genes. It tested for genetic differences (called mutations) that can cause one of 11 rare, but preventable or treatable conditions, including certain types of cancer and heart disease. Each condition has specific medical advice people can follow with their doctors to prevent or treat a serious health problem. The GeneScreen study was approved by the UNC Institutional Review Board and by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research Institutional Review Board. GeneScreen is funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health. ]]> Study participants had to meet the following criteria: be a patient in the UNC General Internal Medicine Clinic or be enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Research Biobank, be at least 18 years old, be proficient in English, have an email address and access to the internet, and be able to provide informed consent. ]]> GeneScreen Timeline February, 2016 - Began recruitment February, 2016 - Began sample collection May, 2016 - Closed recruitment January-February, 2017 - Screening completed ]]>