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 clinicians approval (Oh, 2019). On the flip side, however, DTC tests only indicate ones 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.
References
Flowers, E., Leutwyler, H., & Shim, J. (2020). Direct-to-Consumer Genomic Testing. Nursing, 50(8), 48-52. Doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000684200.71662.09
Oh, B. (2019). Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Advantages and Pitfalls. Genomics & Informatics, 17(3), Doi: 10.5808/GI.2019.17.3.e33
However, an individual should be able to investigate their own roots, even if the science is questionable. When such information is released into the public domain without the individual's permission though, a lot of harm can be done. Making invasions into a person's genetic history illegal is probably the best remedy. Genetic testing has become an important tool for medical diagnosis and treatments (Norrgard) and therefore should be available to
Genetic Testing: Identifying Associating Issues This paper will examine Shelley Burtt's writing "Dilemmas of Genetic Testing" as well as other sources on the subject of genetic testing. After having examined the resources available an opinion will be formed as to whether genetic testing is positive or negative for the patient and the expected child. Genetic testing is becoming an option more commonly used by women during pregnancies to assess particular information concerning
Genetic counseling involves the sharing vital information and knowledge by experienced and well trained experts in the field of genetics for individuals with high risks of suffering some genetic disorders or transferring it to their children. It is the responsibility of a genetic counselor to provide relevant information concerning the hereditary nature of certain diseases and their risks of reoccurrence; addresses the concerns of patients, their health care providers and
controversy with regard to genetic engineering and the exact effects it has on the social order. Some people consider this domain to provide the world as a whole with a window for opportunity while others believe that it goes against everything that mankind stands for. The clinical benefits associated with such technology are downright impressive and it is very probable that it is going to have a particularly positive
genetic testing work place? EXPECTATIONS: Please read: Genetic Testing Future Disability Insurance: Thinking Discrimination Genetic Age Paul Steven Miller. The Journal Law, Medicine & Ethics. Genetic testing in the workplace There is presently much controversy regarding genetic testing in the workplace, as even though it is not yet a common occurrence, employers appreciate the fact that it is very likely to assist them in experiencing as little loss as possible. Genetic
Complex inheritance health issues mean people inherit multiple chronic health diseases or issues that can lead to diseases, compounding the likelihood of chronic illness (Kristoffersson, Cassiman, & Schmidtke, 2010). Common medical problems that can be inherited such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can lead to an illness like congestive heart failure in someone who inherits these medical problems. This is because diabetes may make it easier to become unhealthy
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now