Recoding the gift relationship: views on introducing genomic testing to blood donation

Abstract

This study examines how the institutional context informs the ways in which healthy recipients relate to genomic information. Through focus group data, it considers the trend of blood collection agencies (BCA) moving to extend donor genotyping. We investigated how receipt of genomic information is viewed as fitting into the contract of altruistic, voluntary blood donation by donors and non-donors. Our findings suggest that receipt of genomic health information is viewed as fitting the principles of this exchange with some limits. Participants considered the practical value of receiving different kinds of genetic information for individual and collective health from the perspectives of a healthy, altruistic donor, an “entrepreneurial self” and a potential patient. Findings identify the importance of considering the ethics of providing information on genomic markers to blood donors without current clinical value, as well as the impact of providing this information on the donor – BCA relationship.

Keywords

• Blood donors
• genomics
• gift
• institutional context
• altruism