Question

Advances in genetic technology like genetic and genomic testing and gene editing are transforming human biological sciences, but are creating new ethical dilemmas. Here, we address the implications of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

**Note--link to NPR story below is now functional
FDA Approves Marketing of Consumer Genetic Tests (NPR, 4/7/17) (Links to an external site https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/04/07/522897473/fda-approves-marketing-of-consumer-genetic-tests-for-some-conditions

I had My DNA Picture Taken, With Varying Results (New York Times, 12/30/13) (Links to an external site. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/31/science/i-had-my-dna-picture-taken-with-varying-results.html

Read the two articles (links below) and then address the following questions in your post.

Would you be interested in having such a genetic test done? Why or why not? If you have had a consumer DNA test done and would like to share your experiences, you are welcome to do so.

Would you want to know if you were destined to contract an incurable degenerative disease such as Huntington's disease or Alzheimer's later in life? Would the results of such a test cause you to alter your lifestyle?

What concerns (with regard to ethics, privacy, etc.) might arise with the widespread use of such tests?

Answer 1

Yes, it is better to have genetic test done but after seeking guidance from their doctors and from genetic counselors to understand what the process may mean for them and their families.

As we know that many diseases are hereditary, so there is a chances of developing those diseases inspite of having healthy life style. These hereditary disease may also skips some generation, so it is not so easy to predict. Since we are living in the polluted environment, then there is chances of mutation in genes and then disease may occur. So, Genetic test provides excellent preliminary test about many diseases that may occur in future. On the basis of result we can further change our life style or to inform discussions with a health care professional.

However, some genetic tests do not identify all of the possible gene mutations that can cause a particular condition, or they have limited predictive value. Because some genetic tests may not provide all the information that families may want, the test may subsequently require difficult decisions without providing full information. This can lead to uncertainties for patients and clinicians. Because some genetic tests are screening tests, some like multiple marker blood test will generate some false-positive and false-negative results.