Laboratory Stewardship for Clinical Genetic Testing

Purpose of Review Genetic test stewardship programs are increasingly common within hospital and reference laboratories, as are genetic test optimization efforts by individual practitioners. Genetic counselors play a critical role in guiding providers to medically appropriate genetic tests. This short review aims to summarize the impact of genetic counselors and targeted stewardship interventions that improve genetic test utilization. Recent Findings A variety of stewardship interventions exist that collectively help to eliminate unnecessary tests, support coordination of necessary tests, reduce order errors, and integrate processes that ensure results retrieval and accurate interpretation. Summary Ensuring appropriate utilization of genetic tests and reducing errors improves patient care, reduces costs, and lays an important foundation of trust between patients, providers, institutions, and insurers. Rapid evolution of assays, expansion of genetic tests into multiple medical specialties, direct consumer access, and focus on precision-medicine initiatives foretell a future where genetic test stewardship programs are essential to supporting quality patient care.