As ONS works to update and expand available genomic education, resources and publications, use of current terminology consistently is a priority to help avoid confusion and reflect the state of the evidence. ONS urges all oncology nurses to become fluent in the terms represented within the ONS Genomics Taxonomy and to utilize these terms in practice. Use of consistent and correct genomic terminology minimizes confusion and misconceptions and contributes to quality and safe delivery of cancer care. The ONS Genomics Taxonomy serves as a foundation for terminology that will be referenced and represented across ONS materials. As the evidence base continues to evolve and expand, so will the taxonomy. You can refer to the outline of the taxonomy to find the categorization of terms.
Read the Oncology Nursing Society Call to Action: Using the Appropriate Genomic Terminology for Safety and Quality to learn more about actions you can take to integrate the genomics taxonomy into your nursing practice.
The Genome Foundations category will introduce terminology that fits under the term genome with a subcategory of clinical genomics and includes terms like allele, germ line, precision medicine, and genomics. Learn more about the 24 terms that fit under this category.
Genome Foundations TermsThe Mode of Inheritance category will introduce terminology that fits under the term mode of inheritance with a subcategory of Family History and includes terms like autosomal dominant and pedigree. Learn more about the 8 terms that fit under this category.
Mode of Inheritance TermsThe Biomarkers category will introduce terminology that fits under the term biomarker and includes terms like diagnostic biomarker and predictive biomarker. Learn more about the 8 terms that fit under this category.
Biomarkers TermsThe Biomarker Testing category will introduce terminology that fits under the term genetic testing and includes terms like immunohistochemistry, liquid biopsy and multi-gene panel testing. Learn more about the 11 terms that fit under this category.
Biomarker Testing TermsThe Variant category will introduce terminology that fits under the term variant and includes terms like frameshift, missense, and microsatellite instability (MSI). Learn more about the 13 terms that fit under this category.
Variant TermsThe Variant Subcategories will continue to organize terminology that fits under the term variant with categories like Germline Variant Classification, Somatic Variants, and Somatic Variant Classification. Learn more about the 23 terms included on this page.
Variant Subcategories TermsThe Incidental Findings category will introduce terminology that fits under the term incidental findings includes terms like anticipatable and discovery finding. Learn more about the 5 terms that fit under this category.
Incidental Finding TermsFocused content to elevate your practice at the point of care, including toolkits, quick guides, discussion tools, checklists, and clinical updates.
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