Direct-To-Consumer DNA Tests Via A Third Party
Dr Michael Hopkins, a Research Fellow at SPRU Science and Technology Policy Research at the University of Sussex, has some advice for DNA testing companies hoping to offer their services to the general public:
Use a front organization.
Maybe he didn’t put it exactly that way, but it’s essentially what he’s suggesting.
…the successful ones have used a trusted third party to reduce their commercial risk. Using an intermediary organisation reduces the company’s exposure to criticism by consumer organisations and other groups
Charities and government agencies make innocuous fronts that consumers trust. This seems like trickery to me. Just because a charity recommends something, does that mean it is safe? If a company makes an honest attempt to be transparent and makes available all the information buyers need to make an informed decision, do they really need a front? Empowered patients are not so daft that they need to be told what to think.
Medical News Today, September 18, 2006
Technorati Tags: genetic testing, dna tests, genetics, dna, genes, disease, health, illness
Plate-o-shrimp, as they say.
I’ve been writing about this on my own blog. There’s been a lot of recent activity in the mainstream media around the subject of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Unfortunately, some of these articles conflate the serious (reputable ancestry and medical testing) with the bogus (using the results of DNA analysis to sell diet or skin care regimens).
What I haven’t been able to find is any hard evidence that the serious DTC tests have created any problems. I’ll keep looking.
Dr. E There definitely needs to be distinctions made between the different types of direct-to-consumer DNA tests. Once genetics and genetic testing in general become more common and better understood by the public, perhaps this won’t be as big of an issue anymore.
You may have already researched this company and the Scientists and Doctors behind the product, but if not, it could be of interest to you (URL edited – contact blogger for more information). I think you’ll find that the Scientists and the company are extremely reputable. I’m not prone to noticeable responses to products, and can be very skeptical about most. But I had noticed a change in some areas within a couple of days. Nothing extreme, but the areas that were noticeably different I now will at least affect other aspects of my overall health. I have taken various supplements in pill and liquid form and could not tell you whether they were having any affect at all.
Since there have been so many new discoveries within the the area of Genetic testing, it seems to just make sense on a very basic level. And the DNA Test kit was not only very easy to use, but the whole assessment was very affordable.
If you have any questions that you don’t find answers to on the site, please let me know. I’m sure I can get them answered for you.