Don’t perform genetic tests directly to consumers, purchased on websites, pharmacies, gyms, beauty institutions, without a doctor’s prescription.

Don’t perform genetic tests directly to consumers, purchased on websites, pharmacies, gyms, beauty institutions, without a doctor’s prescription.

Type of practice

Laboratory tests

Age

Adult

Topic Area

Human Genetics

The public may be misled about the real benefit of these tests and it is often not aware of the limitations of the test. Without consulting a geneticist is also difficult to interpret correctly the test result. Finally, it is found that those who undergo the tests rarely obtain beneficial results, even changing their lifestyle or reducing the state of anxiety.

Sources

1. Bloss CS, Schork NJ, Topol EJ. Effect of direct-to-consumer genomewide profiling to assess disease risk. N Engl J Med 2011 Feb 10; 364(6): 524-34.
2. Roberts JS, Ostergren J. Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing and Personal Genomics Services: A Review of Recent Empirical Studies. Curr Genet Med Rep. 2013 Sep; 1(3): 182-200.
3. McGuire AL, Burke W. An unwelcome side effect of direct-to-consumer personal genome testing: raiding the medical commons. JAMA 2008; 300: 2669-71.
4. Frueh F, Greely H, Green R. The future of direct-to-consumer clinical genetic tests.Nat Rev 2011; 12: 511–5.

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.