DIY Genetic Tests: A Product of Fact or Fallacy?
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DIY Genetic Tests: A Product of Fact or Fallacy? Olga C. Pandos
Received: 16 April 2020 / Accepted: 15 July 2020 # Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Pty Ltd. 2020
What Are DIY Genetic Tests? Keywords Direct-to-consumer . Genetic testing . DIY genetic test kits . DIY genetic tests
Introduction Commercialization of DNA is the new norm of biological enterprise. Our genetic material underpins our notions of self and well-being and, most importantly, our risk for disease. DNA holds the information necessary to quantitatively determine predispositions to disease and the likelihood of that disease occurring. Although do-ityourself (DIY) genetic tests have introduced a new dimension to genetic screening, the ethical concerns are telling. Issues relating to genetic misinformation through misleading advertisement are significant problems in the context of DIY genetic tests. This article will examine the increasing concern surrounding misleading information to highlight the need for better regulation and education about genetics. Although increasing access to genetic testing has its advantages, the community must be aware of its limitations. Consumers are entitled to accurate information. Further, companies should be prohibited from marketing campaigns of misinformation. O. C. Pandos (*) Law School, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide 5005, Australia e-mail: [email protected]
Do-it-yourself genetic testing is also known as “directto-consumer genetic testing.” It can be characterized as a process in which a consumer chooses to use a genetic test without the supervision and advice of relevant healthcare professionals (Niemiec, Kalokairinou, and Howard 2017). Most commonly, the “DIY” portion requires you to take a cheek swab or a sample of saliva. This sample, which contains your DNA, is sent to a genetics company, such as 23andMe, DNANudge, or MyDNA. These companies “analyse” the DNA and provide a report on the genome sequence. This analysis allegedly determines disease predisposition, dietary and/or medication tolerance, optimum exercise routines to rapidly lose weight, and more. These are all-encompassing assertions to a consumer who lacks knowledge about genetics, DNA sequencing methods, and interpretation. It could also be argued as the loophole for large companies to capture and mislead consumers. The growing prominence of DIY genetic testing necessitates greater regulation and control in its governance and advertisement. Recently, DNA has proven to be an effective marketing tool and has formed part of modern, precision medicine. Patrick Short, CEO of Sano Genetics in the United Kingdom, claimed “broadening access to DNA testing can be a powerful force for good, providing safer, more effective medicines and giving people more power over their healthcare” (Short 2019, 23). However, there is a risk of marketing campaigns outweighing these benefits by causing
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disrepute to the genetics sector (Short 2019). This is often perpetuated by commercial genetics companie
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