Direct-to-consumer genetic testing services: Policies and challenges

Abstract

The evolution of genetic technology allowed for the emergence of an industry through which private laboratories and companies began to market and offer genetic testing products directly to consumers. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing can be defined as the sale, provision, or advertising of genetic tests outside the context of the healthcare system. Due to the concerns posed by DTC genetic testing, considerable discussion on this phenomenon has arisen among the scientific community, policy makers, and the general public. While an increasing range of DTC genetic tests is progressively available, the reality is that legislation and government oversight at international level is insufficient to monitor or provide regulatory control over these activities. Only through the promotion of the harmonization of practices, regulations, international cooperation among policy makers, and genetic literacy, among the media and the general public, will it be possible to overcome the challenges posed by DTC genetic testing services.