Genetic test kits to hit stores amid controversy

[babylonsister]

Genetic test kits to hit stores amid controversy
Scientists, bio-ethicists and genetic counselors worry consumers will misuse or misunderstand test results
May 11, 2010
By Sandra M. Jones, Bruce Japsen and Trine Tsouderos, Tribune reporters


Coming soon to a drugstore near you, alongside the aspirin and greeting cards, will be the promise of answers to some of life's most personal mysteries: Am I at risk for Alzheimer's disease? Or breast cancer? Or obesity?

Starting Friday, Walgreens will begin selling Insight personal genetic testing kits, becoming the first major retail chain in the U.S. to offer home tests that say they assess the risk of developing one of dozens of different health conditions. CVS plans to have it in stores by August.

The product's introduction raises immediate concerns among scientists, bio-ethicists and genetic counselors. They worry that consumers will misuse or misunderstand the results of a test so open to interpretation it is potentially meaningless, or frightening, especially without a full medical assessment.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration told the Tribune it is investigating the medical claims the product's manufacturer, California-based Pathway Genomics, is making in marketing its genetic test, which hasn't been approved by U.S. regulators.

Pathway officials say the company's home genetic test meets federal regulations and doesn't require FDA approval.

more...

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-05-11/business/ct-biz-0512-genetic-tests-20100511_1_genetic-test-kits-walgreens

[Xipe Totec]

1. G-A-T-T-A-C-A (nt)

[trotsky]

2. Yeah but far better to have this option to do it at home in privacy.

Than through your health care plan, which would inform your insurance company and employer. Nothing wrong with being aware of any increased susceptibility you might have to certain conditions - allowing you to make lifestyle changes that can help.

[Duer 157099]

3. But how private is it, really?

I wonder what prevents somebody from taking a sample from someone else and sending it in?