[Medical genetics. Between consultation and molecular genetic research--an analysis of the current status].

Apparently, there is a much misunderstood discrepancy between the enormous successes achieved by genetic research and clinical applications, which so far have been relatively modest. Rapid progress in the identification of genetic components of diseases and the pathogenetic models derived from the information gained, signals both to the clinician and the patient that "genome analysis" is already available. The present article throws light on the situations in which gene analysis can be applied.