Reliability of Home DNA Tests
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reported to the Senate that home DNA tests are misleading, medically unproven, and/or ambiguous.
While genetic science has great potential, “This industry represents a fraudulent mutation of that promise,” says Gordon Smith, R-Ore., chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Smith, who called for the study, said consumers should visit their doctors for tests if they are concerned about particular diseases.
The investigation included tests from Suracell, Genelex, and Sciona. The GAO used two samples of DNA to purchase 14 tests from these three companies and found:
- Unfounded disease prediction
- Promotion of expensive dietary supplements also sold by Suracell and Market America
- Unreliable and inconsistent results
Company representatives will be testifying today. (And I’m waiting to see if Drs. Keith Grimaldi and Rosalynn Gill-Garrison will participate in the Genetics and Health weekly interview series.)
USA Today, July 27, 2006
GAO Report (which I will read after I prepare dinner)
Webcast and all testimonies
Technorati Tags: congress, senate, genetic testing, dna tests, home dna tests, sciona, suracell, genelex, genetics, genes, dna, disease, illness, health
Dr. Lei,
The articles in USA Today and Wall Street Journal left out some very important aspects of the GAO report, portions which, when considered, show that the GAO investigation was mis-aimed. I’d enjoy the opportunity to set up an interview with you and my Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Julian Blumenfeld.
If you’re interested, just send an email to andya@morebv.com
Sincerely,
Andy Aldridge
Director of Public Relations
Market America, Inc.
Thanks, Andy. I’ve emailed you. Any other companies lurking who’d like to have a chat?
well, keep in mind some of the key facts:
1. the public thinks there is a “do-nothing” congress according to polls
2. The congressional elections are in November
3. Congress recessed on Friday
4. Home DNA testing is press-worthy topic
5. Sen. Smith wants to go back to Oregon and say to his constituents “hey, look at all the important things I am doing in Washington”
Our tax dollars put to work in the usual way…
lisa: Thanks for your comment. I see you’re a cynic.
I see you as an individual who is like many closed minded in the healthcare realm. Have an ache, pop a pill. How sad for you and those you influence. I became a consultant because of the fantastic results to my health from Sciona’s Gene SNP and the nutraceuticals that were offered, NOT REQUIRED, as a solution. I have been able to be weaned off of 2 blood pressure medications and have avoided surgery R/T endometriosis because of my open minded choices to try something other than the age old recommendations that give no solutions just more complications due to side affects from pharmaceuticals and the many risks of surgery. I hope that your negative influences do not inhibit those reading your comments from achieving optimal health. If this is such an unreliable act, why is the government and Berkley getting on the band wagon? On Fox News, search “DNA Pills?”. You may want to apoligize to those you have influenced that may have resulted in a negative outcome. You may also want to review the 25 years of clinical studies that are available from Europe and other countries. You may want to call up Barbara Walters, who did a special on specifics and let her know your negative views. I am sure she will change the result of her research as well. I will expect nothing more than a disrespectful and negative response from you, that is the only comments that are on this site from you. I can only hope that I have resulted in a positive outcome to those who would like to have a solution. I feel very sorry for you. It must be difficult to be such an unhopeful and negative person. Nevermind that you may have caused many to suffer, I will hope for good things to come to you and that you will one day bring good to others.