Genetic services in the context of DNA probes: what do they cost?

Abstract

SUMMARY We describe results from the first year of a three year economic evaluation of genetic services in the context of DNA probes provided at three genetic centres in Great Britain.The analysis so far has concentrated on the costs of providing DNA diagnostic services. Estimates are given of the total costs of providing DNA probe services at each of the three centres, together with information for assessing the cost implications of future developments in these services.DNA probe services are likely to be funded as a Regional specialty. This paper concludes that relative to other developing medical technologies and as an investment by Regions, DNA probe services are inexpensive. An appraisal of the benefits to be derived from DNA probe services is still to be undertaken.Genetic services in the context of DNA probes are a developing area of medical technology. The aims of this three year study are: (1) to identify the costs and benefits of establishing new centres to provide DNA probe services, and to assess how these costs and benefits are affected by the organisation of centres and the type and level of demand; and (2) to assess how costs and benefits of existing centres will be affected by changes in demand for DNA probe services.This study therefore makes the assumption that the role of an economic evaluation is not to determine whether DNA probe services should exist, but to provide information to assist the future planning of these services. The primary concern is how are costs and benefits affected by the way in which these services are made more widely available.The The first step in achieving the long term aims of the study was an analysis of the total costs of providing DNA probe services at existing levels of activity: a 'snap-shot' of current costs at current levels of demand. The aim was to identify and cost all of the major functions involved in the provision of DNA probe services, not just the DNA laboratories. This has been the emphasis of the study so far. Estimates of the costs of providing DNA probe services within each of the centres have been derived. In addition, some information is given to assess the impact of changes in demand for DNA probe services on spending in DNA laboratories.The analysis so far has not considered costs 237 on 1 May 2019 by guest. Protected by copyright.