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Re: Importance of Blinded Comparisons

Dear Editor

Although I lack expertise in screening methods designed to detect the presence of mutations that predispose to disease, the findings reported on BRCA1 by Eng et al. are clearly important. It is essential that a systematic blinded comparison of methods should be carried out to establish or confirm the validity of genetic screening tests. This is of particular importance in cases where the predisposing risk of cancer associated with the mutations is high and the individuals tested must make important decisions based on the outcome of such tests. Hence, the scientific and medical communities are obliged to assure the accuracy and reliablity of tests offered to identify mutations that carry profound consequences for the individual patient.