Do-it-yourself genetic testing creates problems, says physician

Dr. Erin Tracy is concerned about genetics tests that are marketed directly to consumers. She writes in the December 2007 issue of the Obstetrics & Gynecology journal that advertising for genetic tests is increasing and may mislead consumers. Ads for the tests commonly attempt to exploit people's emotions and fears, and some even give the erroneous impression that a certain genetic test is mandatory. Most of these advertised tests are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so there's no proof that some of them even measure what they claim they do. And if the genetic test comes back positive, it is often not clear what that means, or what the individual should do about it.

Dr. Tracy notes that increased funding could help the FDA regulate genetic testing in the U.S., but that doesn't cover genetic testing companies in other countries.

Tracy, Erin E. "Are Doctors Prepared for Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Genetics Tests?" Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007 110: 1389-1391.