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Genetic tests over-the-counter

Most people receiving a genetic test do so through their GP or in hospital. Genetic tests fall into one of four categories:

Pre-symptomatic (or predictive) tests aim to indicate the chances of developing diseases that have clear genetic causes, such as Huntington’s disease.

Diagnostic tests are used to confirm a suspected diagnosis.

Susceptibility ("lifestyle") tests attempt to determine the risk of suffering conditions in the future that tend to be strongly influenced by non-genetic factors, such as smoking and diet.

Paternity tests are used to determine whether someone is the biological father of a particular child.
 

At least one "lifestyle" test based on genetics has been made available directly to consumers ("over-the-counter"). The test identifies common variations in nine genes, and diet and lifestyle advice is then offered, apparently based on the test results. It is possible that similar tests will become more commonplace in the future.

There are several potential concerns about the sale of genetic tests over-the-counter. Provision for counselling and advice needs to be made, both of which are integral to the process of taking a genetic test through a GP or hospital. Questions have been raised about the usefulness, scientific validity and psychological impact of over-the-counter tests.

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Further information

  • Articles from Health Which? about the regulation of genetic tests, and specifically about a genetic "lifestyle" test and other over-the-counter health tests, can be downloaded here:

    • Consumers' Association Genetics Reports (PDF 196k)
    "Healthy Genes" (PDF 80k)
    "Don't try this at home" (PDF 120k)

  • Which? (formerly the Consumers' Association) campaigned successfully with Genewatch UK for the withdrawal of Sciona's lifestyle test from over-the-counter sales. Information about the campaign and related issues is available on their campaigns website www.which.net/campaigns/health/archive/genetics/index.html
  • The Human Genetics Commission was asked to review controls on over-the-counter tests, and in April 2003 published a review called "Genes direct" which includes several key recommendations.

    The review can be seen in full at the HGC website.

  • A recent London IDEAS article, accessible here as a pdf (100k) and published by the Progress Educational Trust debates the validity of genetic testing for cardiovascular disease. Such tests are likely to be provided through medical professionals in the first instance, but could be incorporated into over-the-counter tests in the future.
  • An overview of home testing in its many forms, including genetic tests, was published by the Guardian in November 2003.
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