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On a broader level,
the ethical issue is raised as to the extent to which biological knowledge
about individuals should impinge on daily lives. Is it appropriate to
regulate the risks inherent in people living together and interacting with
each other? An issue has been raised with respect to hepatitis because the
test can be easily done and because millions of people are tested as part of
blood donor programs. As a consequence of these tests, this particular group
of carriers has been identified. There are carriers of other agents, some of
them potentially more hazardous (i.e. staphylococcus, typhoid) who are not
routinely tested and therefore not placed at a disadvantage. |