DNP 810 Topic 2 DQ 2: comparing two genomic tests
The outcome data question is the hard one, because a test can be analytically perfect, clinically valid, and still have no evidence that using it changes what happens to patients.
Editorial process
Last reviewed · August 15, 2026
Compare two tests, then ask whether outcomes improved
Choose two tests that do different jobs, since the comparison is more informative when the pair are not interchangeable. Useful contrasts include BRCA1 and BRCA2 sequencing against a multigene panel, cell-free DNA prenatal screening against diagnostic amniocentesis, a pharmacogenomic panel such as CYP2C19 against a single-gene test, or Oncotype DX tumour profiling against a germline test. Then structure the comparison around the prompt's three named uses: screening applies a test to people without symptoms, diagnosis confirms or excludes a condition in someone who has an indication, and management uses the result to choose between treatments. Most tests are strong in one of these and weak in the others, and saying which is which is most of the analytic work. Most tests are strong in one of the three named uses and weak in the others, and identifying which is which for each of your two is most of the analytic work the prompt is asking for.
The second half is where the post earns its grade, and it requires a distinction most students skip. Analytic validity asks whether the test detects the variant accurately. Clinical validity asks whether the variant predicts the condition. Clinical utility asks whether using the test improves outcomes — and that third question is answered far less often than the first two, because it requires trials of a testing strategy rather than of a test. So report honestly. Cell-free DNA screening has strong outcome data on reducing invasive procedures. Pharmacogenomic testing has outcome evidence for some gene-drug pairs and much less for others. If the outcome data does not exist for your chosen test, saying so and explaining what study would be needed is a better answer than implying it does. State the absence plainly if that is what you find; it is a finding, not a gap in your work.
Likely learning objectives
Inferred from the brief — check these against your own rubric.
- 01Compare genomic tests across screening, diagnostic and management uses.
- 02Distinguish analytic validity, clinical validity and clinical utility.
- 03Report the presence or absence of outcome data honestly.
- 04Identify what study design would establish utility.
Read the full question
Review every instruction before using the planning guidance that follows.
Course-wide instructions that accompany this question
Important information for writing discussion questions and participation Hi Class, Please read through the following information on writing a Discussion question response and participation posts. Contact me if you have any questions. Important information on Writing a Discussion Question Your response needs to be a minimum of 150 words (not including your list of references) There needs to be at least TWO references with ONE being a peer reviewed professional journal article. Include in-text citations in your response Do not include quotes—instead summarize and paraphrase the information Follow APA-7th edition Points will be deducted if the above is not followed Participation –replies to your classmates or instructor DNP 810 Topic 2 DQ 2 Compare two genomic tests used for screening, diagnosis, and management of a disease A minimum of 6 responses per week, on at least 3 days of the week. Each response needs at least ONE reference with citations—best if it is a peer reviewed journal article Each response needs to be at least 75 words in length (does not include your list of references) Responses need to be substantive by bringing information to the discussion or further enhance the discussion. Responses of “I agree” or “great post” does not count for the word count. Follow APA 7th edition Points will be deducted if the above is not followed Remember to use and follow APA-7th edition for all weekly assignments, discussion questions, and participation points. Here are some helpful links Student paper example Citing Sources The Writing Center is a great resource Welcome to class Hello class and welcome to the class and I will be your instructor for this course. This is a -week course and requires a lot of time commitment, organization, and a high level of dedication. Please use the class syllabus to guide you through all the assignments required for the course. I have also attached the classroom policies to this announcement to know your expectations for this course. Please review this document carefully and ask me any questions if you do. You could email me at any time or send me a message via the “message” icon in halo if you need to contact me. I check my email regularly, so you should get a response within 24 hours. If you have not heard from me within 24 hours and need to contact me urgently, please send a follow up text to. I strongly encourage that you do not wait until the very last minute to complete your assignments. Your assignments in weeks 4 and 5 require early planning as you would need to present a teaching plan and interview a community health provider. I advise you look at the requirements for these assignments at the beginning of the course and plan accordingly. I have posted the YouTube link that explains all the class assignments in detail. 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A minimum of TWO references should be used for your initial post. For your response post, you do not need references as personal experiences would count as response posts. If you however cite anything from the literature for your response post, it is required that you cite your reference. You should include a minimum of THREE references for papers in this course. Please note that references should be no more than 5 years old except recommended as a resource for the class. Furthermore, for each discussion board question, you need ONE initial substantive response and TWO substantive responses to either your classmates or your instructor for a total of THREE responses. There are TWO discussion questions each week, hence, you need a total minimum of SIX discussion posts for each week. I usually post a discussion question each week. You could also respond to these as it would count towards your required SIX discussion posts for the week. I understand this is a lot of information to cover in 5 weeks, however, the Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Even in times like this, we are encouraged by God’s word that we have that ability in us to succeed with His strength. I pray that each and every one of you receives strength for this course and life generally as we navigate through this pandemic that is shaking our world today. Relax and enjoy the course! Name: Assignment Rubric Grid View List View Excellent Good Fair Poor Summarize your interpretation of the frequency data provided in the output for respondent’s age, highest school grade completed, and family income from prior month. 32 (32%) – 35 (35%) The response accurately and clearly explains, in detail, a summary of the frequency distributions for the variables presented. The response accurately and clearly explains, in detail, the number of times the value occurs in the data. The response accurately and clearly explains, in detail, the appearance of the data, the range of data values, and an explanation of extreme values in describing intervals that sufficiently provides an analysis that fully supports the categorization of each variable value. The response includes relevant, specific, and appropriate examples that fully support the explanations provided for each of the areas described. 28 (28%) – 31 (31%) The response accurately summarizes the frequency distributions for the variables presented. The response accurately explains the number of times the value occurs in the data. The response accurately explains the appearance of the data, the range of data values, and explains extreme values in describing intervals that provides an analysis which supports the categorization of each variable value. The response includes relevant, specific, and accurate examples that support the explanations provided for each of the areas described. 25 (25%) – 27 (27%) The response inaccurately or vaguely summarizes the frequency distributions for the variables presented. The response inaccurately or vaguely explains the number of times the value occurs in the data. The response inaccurately or vaguely explains the appearance of the data, the range of data values, and inaccurately or vaguely explains extreme values. An analysis that may support the categorization of each variable value is inaccurate or vague. The response includes inaccurate and irrelevant examples that may support the explanations provided for each of the areas described. 0 (0%) – 24 (24%) The response inaccurately and vaguely summarizes the frequency distributions for the variables presented, or it is missing. The response inaccurately and vaguely explains the number of times the value occurs in the data, or it is missing. The response inaccurately and vaguely explains the appearance of the data, the range of data values, and an explanation of extreme values, or it is missing. An analysis that does not support the categorization of each variable values is provided, or it is missing. The response includes inaccurate and vague examples that do not support the explanations provided for each of the areas described, or it is missing. Summarize your interpretation of the descriptive statistics provided in the output for respondent’s age, highest school grade completed, race and ethnicity, currently employed, and family income from prior month. 45 (45%) – 50 (50%) The response accurately and clearly summarizes in detail the interpretation of the descriptive statistics provided. The response accurately and clearly evaluates in detail each of the variables presented, including an accurate and complete description of the sample size, the mean, the median, standard deviation, and the size and spread of the data. 40 (40%) – 44 (44%) The response accurately summarizes the interpretation of the descriptive statistics provided. The response accurately explains evaluates each of the variables presented, including an accurate description of the sample size, the mean, the median, standard deviation, and the size and spread of the data. 35 (35%) – 39 (39%) The response inaccurately or vaguely summarizes the interpretation of the descriptive statistics provided. The response inaccurately or vaguely evaluates each of the variables presented, including an inaccurate or vague description of the sample size, the mean, the median, the standard deviation, and the size and spread of the data. 0 (0%) – 34 (34%) The response inaccurately and vaguely summarizes the interpretation of the descriptive statistics provided, or it is missing. The response inaccurately and vaguely evaluates each of the variables presented, including an inaccurate and vague description of the sample size, the mean, the median, the standard deviation, and the size and spread of the data, or it is missing. Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria. 5 (5%) – 5 (5%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided which delineates all required criteria. 4 (4%) – 4 (4%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive. 3 (3%) – 3 (3%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is vague or off topic. 0 (0%) – 2 (2%) Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion was provided. Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation 5 (5%) – 5 (5%) Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. 4 (4%) – 4 (4%) Contains a few (1 or 2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3 (3%) – 3 (3%) Contains several (3 or 4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 0 (0%) – 2 (2%) Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. 5 (5%) – 5 (5%) Uses correct APA format with no errors. 4 (4%) – 4 (4%) Contains a few (1 or 2) APA format errors. 3 (3%) – 3 (3%) Contains several (3 or 4) APA format errors. 0 (0%) – 2 (2%) Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors. Total Points: 100 Name: Assignment Rubric
Turn the brief into deliverables
- 01Two named genomic tests that do different jobs.
- 02A comparison across screening, diagnosis and management.
- 03The three-way validity and utility distinction applied to each.
- 04What the outcome data shows, or an explicit statement that it is absent.
Two tests, three uses, then the evidence question
The two tests
Name them and state what each detects and in whom.
Screening, diagnosis, management
Place each test against the three uses and say where it is strong.
Validity and utility
Apply the analytic, clinical and utility distinction to both tests.
The outcome evidence
Report what the data shows, or state that it does not exist and what would establish it.
Looking for utility, not just validity
Recommended databases
- MedlinePlus Genetics
- PubMed Central
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- CPIC guidelines
Search sequence
- 1.Search your test AND clinical utility rather than accuracy, since they return different literature.
- 2.Look for a trial of a testing strategy rather than of the test itself.
- 3.Check whether professional guidelines recommend the test and on what evidence.
- 4.Note the year of the evidence, since genomic test evidence dates quickly.
Reference shortlist
These are authoritative starting points, not a ready-made bibliography. A qualified reviewer must confirm that each source fits the assignment and supports the claim beside which it is cited.
Nothing here is cleared for citation until you have read it.
- 01
What is genetic testing?: MedlinePlus Genetics
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine · 2024
What a genetic test is and what it can establish, the baseline for comparing two of them.
- 02
What are the uses of genetic testing?: MedlinePlus Genetics
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine · 2024
The uses of genetic testing set out separately, which maps directly onto the screening, diagnosis and management structure.
- 03
Pharmacogenomics Overview
StatPearls Publishing (NCBI Bookshelf) · 2025
Pharmacogenomics as a worked case where utility evidence is strong for some gene-drug pairs and thin for others.
- 04
Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guidelines for CYP2C19 Genotype and Clopidogrel Therapy: 2013 Update
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics · 2013
A specific implementation guideline built on genotype evidence, showing what utility looks like when it exists.
- 05
CYP2D6 Overview: Allele and Phenotype Frequencies — Medical Genetics Summaries
National Center for Biotechnology Information, NCBI Bookshelf · 2025
Allele and phenotype frequency data, which is what clinical validity rests on before utility can even be asked.
Review before submission
Common mistakes
- Comparing two tests that do essentially the same thing.
- Treating accuracy as evidence that outcomes improve.
- Claiming outcome data exists without citing any.
- Discussing only diagnosis when three uses are named.
- Confusing tumour profiling with germline testing.
Submission checklist
- Do your two tests genuinely differ in purpose?
- Have you addressed all three named uses?
- Is clinical utility distinguished from clinical validity?
- Is the outcome evidence cited or its absence stated?
- Would a reader know which test to use when?
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