British insurers get thumbs-down for genetic testing

A report from the Human Genetics Advisory Commission in Britain has recommended that insurance companies be prevented from asking potential clients to take genetic tests for the next two years.

The commission says interpretation of test findings - which companies hope will help them assess future health risks - is still in its infancy.

The report calls for more research on how to evaluate the tests.

A BBC Science correspondent says insurers want to use genetic testing to assess a person's risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer's disease in later life.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service