You might be intrigued by what your genes could tell you about or the hidden in your DNA. If so, you’re not alone.
Fascination with personal genetics is fuelling an explosion of online DNA testing. More than have been tested – 7 million through ancestry.com alone. Amazon reported the 23andMe online DNA test kit as one of its on Black Friday in 2017.
But while online genetic testing can be interesting and fun, it has risks. Here are five things to keep in mind if you’re considering spitting in a tube.
1. Understand the limits of what’s possible
Keep in mind the evidence behind claims a DNA testing company makes. Some companies list the science that backs up their claims, but many don’t.
DNA testing can be used to tell your ancestry and family relatedness quite accurately, but companies claiming to predict or children’s from DNA are in the realm of fantasy.
2. Make sure you’re prepared for the information
Genetics can tell us many things, some of which we may not be prepared for. You may go in looking for information on your ancestry, but could find out about . Or you might discover you’re at risk of certain diseases. Some of these have no cure, like , which could only leave you distressed.
Some products can test for genetic changes in the that put you at risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Other can take raw data from ancestry DNA tests and, for a small payment, provide a wide range of disease risk estimates, many of which have been .
Think carefully about whether you really want to know all this information, and whether it’s valid, before you proceed.
3. Consider the medical follow-up you might need
If something serious is discovered in your genes, you might need the results to be professionally interpreted, or to have genetic counselling to come to terms with what you’ve learnt.
Some genetic information can be , and have medical implications for you and your family. Relying on the internet for interpretation is not advised.
Does the DNA testing company offer any counselling or medical services? If not, are you hoping your GP or genetics clinic will provide this? You might find GPs are not adequately trained to understand DNA results, and public genetics services have very long waiting lists. This means you might be left on tenterhooks with a potentially distressing result.
4. Think how the results may affect your insurance
In Australia, private health insurance can’t be influenced by genetic test results. But life insurance companies can use genetic test results to , with little consumer protection. All genetic test results known to an applicant at the time of a life insurance application must be disclosed if requested, including internet-based test results.
Once you have a result that indicates increased risk of disease, the life insurance company may use this against you (by increasing premiums, for instance), even if the scientific evidence isn’t solid. This applies to life, income protection, disability and even travel insurance.
5. Consider who will have access to your DNA and data
Some online genetic testing companies with international guidelines on privacy, confidentiality and use of genetic data. Many online testing companies retain DNA samples indefinitely. Consumers can request samples be destroyed, but sometimes with this.
Some online testing companies have been accused of selling access to databases of genetic information to third parties, potentially without the knowledge of donors. You might have to plough through the fine print to find out what you have consented to.
In many ways, it is wonderful we now have access to our personal DNA code. However, as always, understanding the limitations and risks of fast-moving medical technology is very important.
, Ethical, Legal & Social Adviser - Public Health Genomics, and , Head, Public Health Genomics Program,
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