Advantages and Disadvantages of Direct to Consumer Genetic Tests

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER GENETIC TESTING 1

Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is a consumer-centric form of genetic testing in which a customer procures a test from an online store by just learning of it via advertisements on the internet, television, print media, or in-store (Oh, 2019). The customer purchases testing kits from the company, collects their DNA sample according to instructions on the sheet, sends the sample to the company, and receives their results via a secure website (Oh, 2019). One of the most popular DTC genetic testing websites is 23andMe (https://www.23andme.com/?fd=dr), which markets itself as a comprehensive provider of ancestry, traits, and health genetic testing services.

DTC testing provides avenues for customers to assess their genetic predisposition to certain phenotypes, such as diseases, which allows them to take proactive health improvement steps (Oh, 2019). Further, DTC testing is easily accessible, faster, and less expensive as it does not require a clinician’s approval (Oh, 2019). On the flip side, however, DTC tests only indicate one’s genetic predisposition to a disease, but do not guarantee that one will develop the disease (Oh, 2019). An individual with a high risk score may fail to develop the disease if they lead a healthy lifestyle (Oh, 2019). Moreover, DTC testing is largely unregulated, which provides avenues for unscrupulous websites to use customers’ genetic information for secondary purposes without their consent (Oh, 2019).

Since customers procure the tests for themselves, there is a risk that they could use non-deterministic and inaccurate results to inform health decisions that could be harmful (Flowers, Leutwyler & Shim, 2020). Nurses could advise DTC customers regarding the accuracy of tests and offer informed guidance on the best health decisions to take (Flowers et al., 2020). This would help minimize the risk of harm that could befall misinformed customers.