« Quand l'annonce du diagnostic médical devient un enjeu d'accompagnement. Enquête au sein du protocole du test présymptomatique de la maladie de Huntington »

The following survey conveys a deep examination of the protocol in charge of the presymptomatic test for Huntington's disease. The test enables at-risk people to be aware of their genetic status and thus answer the following question: “Am I carrying the genetic mutation responsible for Huntington's disease?” Engaging in an idea of anticipation for the human being, this specific diagnosis encompasses a plurality of dimensions, going beyond the usual medical procedures. Psychological, ethnical, scientific and moral aspects are evaluated. By changing their conventional worlds of action, health professionals manage to “take care” of the people willing to do the test. This way, the specific protocol appears as a secured environment to study the conditions of the medical procedures, the meaning of the “ethical code” and the application of “genetic discoveries”.