DNA testing direct to the public

DNA shampoo? Diet and exercise regimes tailored to your own genetic make-up? Cosmetics blended to address your particular ‘wrinkle genes'? A DNA test to determine which sport best suits your child? DNA tests available on the internet to calculate your genetic risk for breast cancer, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease?

According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), this is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Rapid advances in genetic science and technology are greatly expanding the range of DNA tests available and dramatically reducing the costs. The NHMRC says that while genetic testing has been the preserve of medical specialists and major teaching hospitals, private laboratories are now advertising their services directly to the consumer via the internet, with costs ranging from $250 for ‘dermagenetics’ to $300,000 for a fully sequenced personal genome with 3.2 billion bits of genetic information.

President of the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) Professor David Weisbrot says this area is moving even faster than expected.

“Just five years ago, no one was advertising medical DNA testing over the internet. However, there are now over 30 labs offering about 40 tests directly to the consumer in the US, and there are 4–5 labs doing this here.

“To the extent that the soft end of this just involves new fashions and fads, then maybe community education, consumer law and ‘buyer beware’ will be sufficient. The question is though, are these so-called ‘lifestyle DNA tests’ the 21st century version of the ‘mood ring’?" he laughs.

“But more importantly, many of the DNA tests being offered have serious implications, since people will rely on them to make critical decisions about their health and wellbeing. So, do we need tougher laws and more stringent regulation by government authorities?” says Weisbrot.

Dr Mike Field, head of Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital's genetic department, says that currently, most direct-marketed DNA tests do not have the predictive health power claimed by their developers.

“Many of the current tests seem to make inflated or frankly spurious claims, he says.

“The science behind many of these tests is not currently there to use this information for predictive or preventative health strategies. Basing preventative health strategies on the results of these tests may be harmful as it may falsely reassure people and mean they avoid taking appropriate health protection steps.

"If these tests have a greater medical application, there would be future concerns about how patients could use these tests for their health management without appropriate explanation from a trained health professional.

“Often, these tests are even confusing for a health professional with little formal training in genetic medicine. Test results can cause anxiety because of the implications for other family members and so the tests need to be carefully explained,” he said.

Professor Ron Trent, from the University of Sydney and chair of the NHMRC’s Human Genetics Advisory Committee (HGAC), says that they have serious concerns about DNA tests being offered to individuals without the advice of a health professional.

“Are these cleverly marketed tests actually based on real medical research? Do these private overseas labs meet our high ethical and technical standards? And who will interpret the complex results of DNA test, or provide the necessary counselling?" he says.

“There is blurring between the lines [with these tests] on what is a medical and non-medical condition. I mean, we are still learning about the human genome.”