Continuing G&H’s exclusive interview with Navigenics’ Medical Director Dr Michael Nierenberg, we explore the whole issue of privacy, insurance, GINA and ethics…..
One of the main consumer concerns is that of privacy of information, both in terms that a genetic test has been undertaken but also that the results of the test are kept private and out of the public domain.  At the time of writing, the controversial GINA (Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act) is being passed by the US Senate which will enable genetic testing information to be kept private and not be used to discriminate against an individual, particularly by the insurance industry.  …read more

In this fifth article in the series of articles originating from G&H’s exclusive interview with Navigenics’ Medical Director, Dr Michael Nierenberg, we explore the contentious issue of whole genomic testing.
Navigenics uses Affymetrix’s gene chip which is able to test around 1 million genetic markers.  However Navigenics has initially focused on 18 specific, treatable diseases which form the foundation of its designated SNP panel.  This panel will expand over time.   
I asked the question of what happened to a member’s DNA – whether it was disposed of or stored.  Dr Nierenberg explained that a member’s DNA was stored in anticipation of future …read more