My Bioethical Opinion is... (6) Tests Done Without Patients Permission

Here is the Question:

A 70 year old is undergoing a minor operation, the surgeon discovers that she has one undescended testicle. The surgeon informs her family physician who orders a genetic analysis. The analysis shows she is genetically male. Can the physician order the test with out permission in this case?



Here is My Answer: 

Easy answer: All routine blood lab work, for example, which is usual and ordinary as part of an examination may be obtained without obtaining permission from the patient for each and every routine lab test. However, performing a genetic blood or mucosa test on a patient, even though there is no physical risk, is definitely not considered a routine test and therefore the test must be explained to the patient and consent obtained before obtaining the specimen. Any test which clearly might have a profound physical and/or psychologic consequence on the patient must have the patient's informed consent.