Genetic testing is often performed by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurse practitioners, and genetic counselors. Healthcare practitioners evaluate whether tests are required, place an order with a laboratory, collect and transmit a DNA sample, analyze the test results, and communicate the results to the patient.
The number of firms offering direct-to-consumer DNA Tests is increasing, as is the number of health disorders and traits that these tests cover. Because direct-to-consumer genetic testing services are still unregulated, it is critical to evaluate the quality of available services before proceeding with any testing.
What types of genetic testing are offered directly to consumers?
With so many firms offering direct-to-consumer genetic testing, deciding which tests will be the most informative and beneficial to you can be difficult. When considering a paternity test while pregnant, examine what you intend to gain.
The following are examples of direct-to-consumer genetic tests:
Health and disease risk
These tests determine your genetic risk of acquiring various diseases, including celiac disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. Some firms may ask about a person’s carrier status for diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. A carrier carries one copy of a gene mutation that produces a hereditary condition when two copies are present. The tests may also check for genetic differences linked to other health-related characteristics like weight and metabolism (the process through which a person’s body transforms nutrients from meals into energy).
Genealogy or ancestry
The findings of these tests can provide information about a person’s ancestry, ethnicity, and genetic relationships between families.
Kinship
These tests can reveal if the persons examined are biologically related. The findings of direct-to-consumer kinship testing, such as paternity tests, are rarely accepted in court.
Lifestyle
Many businesses that provide this type of testing also sell services, goods, or programs tailored to your test findings. Consider whether there is any information you would like to remain anonymous. If you notify the firm before it distributes your conclusions, you may be able to deny receiving certain information.
What is the procedure for direct-to-consumer genetic testing?
Obtaining a test
Some test kits contain analysis and interpretation, although this information must be acquired separately in other circumstances.
Obtaining a sample
The model is then sent as required by the firm. You may need to visit a health clinic to get blood drawn in some instances.
Examination of the sample
The sample will be analyzed in a lab to check for specific genetic variants. The test’s goal determines the variations included in the trial.
Getting the results
In most situations, your findings will be available on a protected website. Other testing businesses send results through mail or telephone. The findings generally explain what specific genetic differences signify for your health or heritage.
Make sure you understand the step-by-step directions in the test kit before you begin. Before collecting your sample, contact the firm if you have any queries. Although it differs from genetic testing requested by a healthcare practitioner, direct-to-consumer genetic testing offers both advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
It gives individualized information about your health, illness risk, and other attributes through direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
It does not require clearance from a healthcare physician or health insurance company, and it may help you be more proactive about your health.
Obtaining DNA samples is typically straightforward, painless, and soon available findings.
Your information is entered into an extensive database that can be utilized in medical research. The database might contain several million people, depending on the firm.
Limitations and risks
Tests for the health issues or features that interest you may not be accessible.
This sort of testing cannot tell you whether or not you will acquire a specific disease.
You may feel stressed or upset if you get unexpected facts regarding your health, family ties, or genealogy.
People may make critical decisions regarding illness treatment or prevention based on test results that are erroneous, incomplete, or misinterpreted.
Testing businesses are now subject to minimal monitoring or regulation.
Invalid or unproven testing might be deceiving.
Direct-to-consumer DNA Tests can only provide you with a little picture of your health. Other genetic and environmental variables, lifestyle choices, and family medical history play a role in developing many illnesses. These issues would be reviewed with a doctor or genetic counselor during a consultation, but they are frequently overlooked when utilizing DNA test kits.
