HomeGenetics UnderstandingTestingHow does genetic testing in a research setting differ from clinical genetic testing?
Back to Testing
How does genetic testing in a research setting differ from clinical genetic testing?
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Testing

How does genetic testing in a research setting differ from clinical genetic testing?

The primary distinction between clinical and research genetic testing lies in the purpose of the test and whether the results are shared with the patient.

Clinical vs. Research Testing

The goals and outcomes of these two testing environments differ significantly:

  • Research Testing: The goal is to advance scientific understanding, such as finding unknown genes, learning how genes function, or developing future tests. Results from research studies are typically not made available to patients or their healthcare providers.
  • Clinical Testing: This is performed to identify an inherited disorder in an individual patient or family. Patients receive these results, which are then used to make decisions regarding medical care or reproductive issues.

Informed Consent

Regardless of the setting, both clinical and research testing involve a process of informed consent. During this process, patients learn about the testing procedure, the potential risks and benefits, and the consequences of the testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, while both require informed consent, the content differs significantly. Clinical consent focuses on how results will impact your current medical care. Research consent explicitly states that results will not be returned to you, explains the scientific goals of the study, and outlines any specific risks related to the research protocol rather than personal health management.
Clinical genetic testing aims to identify a specific inherited disorder in an individual to guide immediate medical care or reproductive planning, and results are always provided to the patient. Research testing aims to expand scientific understanding, such as discovering new genes or developing future diagnostic tools, and does not prioritize individual patient outcomes.
Generally, no. Research genetic testing is designed to advance scientific knowledge rather than provide individual medical diagnoses. Therefore, results are typically not shared with the patient or their healthcare provider. If you need results for medical decision-making, you must undergo clinical genetic testing, which is a separate process with different protocols and reporting standards.
Standard research protocols do not include reporting individual results to participants, even if a significant variant is found. The data is usually anonymized and used for statistical analysis. If you are concerned about a specific condition, you should discuss clinical testing options with your healthcare provider separately from any research participation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss