# medical test result - can we find a better answer than M. vos Savant? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 8, 2010, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-test-result-can-we-find-a-better-answer-than-m-vos-savant/528179 "2010-02-08T19:11:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![EdwardLost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bbe5ce/32.png) [@EdwardLost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardLost)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2010, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-test-result-can-we-find-a-better-answer-than-m-vos-savant/528179/21 "2010-02-09T21:04:59Z")
The coin flips should not be done at regular intervals but on request. The idea is that you can decide in the future to reduce your level of uncertainty, if you so choose. Another solution would be to mention the dilemma to your doctor the next time you’re in for a physical. If he’s a clever fellow he’ll send some of your blood sample in for testing without being asked and reveal that fact only if the news is good. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2010, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-test-result-can-we-find-a-better-answer-than-m-vos-savant/528179/22 "2010-02-10T03:18:11Z")
> [@Arnold\_Winkelried](#): > > 1. If you _do_ have the gene, the doctor puts you in an enclosed room containing a snack vending machine and a large HDTV with a premium package cable TV subscription (including all on demand features and HBO special events at no cost to you). In the same room there is also a device made of a Geiger counter containing a radioactive substance, very small, so that in the course of one period of time X (X = your remaining life expectancy), there is a 50% chance of an atom decaying; if the Geiger counter detects an atom decaying, then it triggers some kind of release system that will drop a card showing the word “Yes” (meaning you have the gene.) In this case, if I understand quantum mechanics correctly (and who doesn’t nowadays?) then you (the patient) will be in state of suspended knowledge, and you cannot claim that you know either way. There’s a cat involved also, yes?😃 ---
**Author:** ![GameHat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ed655f/32.png) [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2010, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-test-result-can-we-find-a-better-answer-than-m-vos-savant/528179/23 "2010-02-10T05:24:56Z")
There’s no good way to tell a person about a truly destructive gene. I was good friends in HS with a girl whose mother had [Huntington’s](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huntington%27s_disease) My friend’s decision was not to test herself. Not the decision I would have made, but I respect it. Probability games are fun, but if the answer means you might become incapacitated and die young and in a terrible fashion, well, maybe it is for the best not to even play and just live your life and see what happens. ---
**Author:** ![Indistinguishable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/90ced4/32.png) [@Indistinguishable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indistinguishable)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2010, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-test-result-can-we-find-a-better-answer-than-m-vos-savant/528179/24 "2010-02-10T06:13:49Z")
Are you suggesting that being tested will somehow increase your chances of becoming incapacitated and dying young and in a terrible fashion? ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2010, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-test-result-can-we-find-a-better-answer-than-m-vos-savant/528179/25 "2010-02-10T07:44:43Z")
You explain your dilemma to the doctor, take the test, but make him promise solemnly that he will not reveal the result no matter what it is! (The test result is just for a posthumous record.) You hope the doctor will have the common sense to reveal a good result despite his promise. (Yes, I know this doesn’t really work, but it seems as good as some other proposals, and certainly better than the solutions involving guns!) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-test-result-can-we-find-a-better-answer-than-m-vos-savant/528179.md?page=1)