Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing
The American College of Medical Genetics has developed a 2008 Policy Statement on DTC Genetic Testing. The college is concerned with sudden influx of genetic tests offered to the to the public without requiring professional support and recommendation
The college discusses five principles in its public statement which should be read by everyone before planning to use any genetic test, however well intentioned:
A knowledgeable professional should be involved in the process of ordering and interpreting a genetic test.
The consumer should be fully informed regarding what the test can and cannot say about his or her health.
The scientific evidence on which a test is based should be clearly stated.
The clinical testing laboratory must be accredited by CLIA, the State and/or other applicable accrediting agencies.
Privacy concerns must be addressed.
