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    Genetic Testing Requirements (IVDR Article 4)

    Member-State-level obligations on information, counselling, and consent for genetic testing performed with IVDs.

    Reviewed by Christian Espinosa, Founder, Blue Goat CyberLast reviewed July 25, 2026

    Definition

    Article 4 of the IVDR requires that, where a genetic test is used on individuals in the context of medical care and provides information about a predisposition to a medical condition or disease, the person tested (or their legal representative) receives relevant information on the nature, significance, and implications of the test. Article 4 also allows Member States to adopt additional national rules including on informed consent and genetic counselling.
    What the regulation says
    Article 4(1) states that Member States shall ensure that where a genetic test is used on individuals, the person being tested is provided with relevant information on the nature, significance and implications of the genetic test, as appropriate.

    What this means in practice

    Article 4 is one of the few IVDR provisions that operates at the Member State rather than Union level, producing meaningful fragmentation. Manufacturers of predisposition tests (BRCA, APOE, pharmacogenomics) must map country-by-country requirements before launching direct-to-consumer or clinical channels.
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    Primary references

    3 sources
    Link health: 3 verified· last checked 2026-06-20
    EUR-Lex·1IMDRF·1RAPS·1
    1. 1
      Regulation (EU) 2017/746, Article 4
      Verified
      EUR-Lexeur-lex.europa.eu
    2. 2
      IMDRF Documents
      Verified
      IMDRFimdrf.org
    3. 3
      RAPS Regulatory Focus
      Verified
      RAPSraps.org

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