Home genetic tests are a simple and convenient way to explore any health issues associated with an individual's genetic code. Diseases like breast cancer, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes leave clues in DNA long before problems show up. Home DNA tests seek out these hints of genetic destiny, offering a way to predict risks of future health problems. Whether these tests are accurate and secure is another question entirely.
How Home DNA Test Kits Work
Individuals who want their DNA tested for genetic diseases and potential health issues need only collect and send off their genetic sample in the mail and wait for the results to come back from the lab. Collection usually involves a cheek swab, scraping a small amount of cells from the inside of the cheek, or a saliva sample and results can be sent on paper or viewed electronically online. Three popular companies offering genetic health testing are deCODEme.com, 23andMe.com and Navigenics.com, but many other companies also offer personal genome services. Home DNA test kits run between $300-3000, depending on the type of test and how in-depth the report and follow-up are.
What Genetic Disease Testing Can Reveal
There are over 1000 traits and diseases that can be found using genetic tests, but not all companies look at all of these genes. Some high-profile genes are specifically targeted with home tests, including the breast cancer genes BRCA 1 and 2 as well as genes linked to Alzheimer's disease, depression, diabetes, macular degeneration and prostate cancer. Other tests reveal the likelihood of having an adverse reaction to common medicines or treatments for known conditions, including Warfarin and Plavix .
Having any of these genes is no guarantee someone will get that particular disease, but it can alert individuals to potential things to look out for or lifestyle changes they might want to make.
Privacy Concerns and Inaccurate Results from DNA Testing at Home
Genetic disease testing can reveal some disease risks, but it is by no means perfect. Many genes operate in concert with other genes, or there may be other factors that affect the gene's expression. Without understanding things like codominance or incomplete dominance, gene test results could easily be misinterpreted. Of course, no genetic test can reveal every risk factor for every possible disease. Regular exercise, a good diet and general healthy living are still the best ways to ensure freedom from major health issues.
The privacy of genetic data is another issue detractors have with home gene testing kits. Currently, there are no federal regulations prohibiting companies from selling genetic material to research labs or doing research on it themselves without the permission of the individual whose DNA it is, and only a handful of states have laws requiring consent.
Despite the potential drawbacks, the business of home DNA test kits for health is booming. People want to know more about their genetic risks and what they can do to mitigate potential problems. For those interested in genetics and health, these tests offer fascinating insight into the intersection between genes and disease.
Individuals interested in personal genome services may also like to learn more about another kind of DNA testing available, as described in the article Home DNA Testing Kits for Genetic Genealogy, that investigates family origins and ancient lineages.
Sources:
Dickinson, Boonsri; Discover; "How Much Can You Learn From a Home DNA Test?" September 2008
Federal Trade Commission: Facts for Consumers; "At-Home Genetic Tests: A Healthy Dose of Skepticism May Be the Best Prescription" July 2006.; Accessed March 16, 2010.
National Human Genome Research Institute.; "Genetic Testing" Genome.gov; Last Updated: November 30, 2009; Accessed March 16, 2010
23 and Me; "Genetics Just Got Personal" 23anme.com; Accessed March 16, 2010
Bridget Coila - I'm a cell and molecular biologist, freelance writer and photographer currently living in Beijing, China. I'm fascinated by science, ...
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