Genetic testing and family relationships

A public television special on African-Americans included some small pieces on genetic testing as it is used to test family relationships. The Feb 6 issue of Newsweek has more and presents some visual aids. In addition, a live talk featured Claudia Kalb answering questions about genetic testing. Of the three, the Kalb live talk was the only one allowing public participation. Since I thought some of you might be interested, I am attaching a copy of Kalb's transcript here. Among other things, it gives us an idea of why people are so interested in genetic testing.  Note that the genetic testing discussed focuses only on family interrelationships and not on diseases or conditions with genetic components.

Marie Godfrey, PhD