URL of this page: http://www.genome.gov/26524402 |
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Direct to Consumer Personal GenomicsAs technologies have improved and the costs of genome sequencing and genotyping have plummeted, services offering direct to consumer genetic testing have emerged. These services offer to provide, for a fee, information on an individual's genomic makeup with varying levels of detail and interpretation. Some of these services also provide individuals with the ability to search online databases that contain information on existing, new and emerging genetic associations so that they can explore on an ongoing basis what this genomic information might mean to them, in terms of health and disease, ancestral origins, and traits and behaviors. The ability to obtain genomic information directly from a laboratory or private company has many implications for individuals, their families and society. It has the potential to provide health information for geographically isolated or underserved populations. It also may allow individuals more direct access to and control over their health information and may lead to healthier life style choices based on possible genetic susceptibilities. However, there also are potential risks in obtaining complex and ambiguous genetic and genomic information in this manner. The relationships between particular genetic variations and the presence or absence of specific diseases or traits are often tenuous and the interpretation of the findings can change over time. This makes the communication of clear and accurate genetic information challenging, even in ongoing face-to-face clinical settings. It is not known how individuals, and society more broadly, might understand and interpret this information when it is provided directly to individual consumers. Further, little is known about how the availability of this information only to those individuals with sufficient funds or technological access will affect disparities in health care access and outcomes. These issues require further exploration if we are to understand and address the risks and take full advantage of the benefits of this new approach to obtaining and communicating genomic information. Possible Research Questions Include:
Last Reviewed: March 27, 2008 |