New Genetic Tests Will Assess Risk Of Multiple Conditions

Main Category: Genetics
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 08 Nov 2007 - 9:00 PDT

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Genetic tests to help people determine whether they have higher risks of developing a variety of conditions are becoming more widely available on a direct-to-consumer basis, the Wall Street Journal reports. However, skepticism, cost and privacy issues might dissuade people from seeking out the tests. According to the Journal, "Health insurers aren't likely to cover the tests until studies prove their value and link them to improved health," and "many people are worried that health insurance and even job opportunities could be jeopardized if evidence of genetic risk of disease became part of their medical record." There also is the "issue of how useful the answers will be," as there is "no evidence ... people will act on such information to lead healthier lives," the Journal reports.

Approximately 1,400 genetic tests already are on the market, the majority of which are designed to find single genes associated with rare conditions. Newer tests are being developed to assess multiple genetic indicators. Navigenics on Tuesday announced that its Health Compass test will be available early next year over the Internet for $2,500. The product includes counseling and one year of testing updates. Consumers will send in a saliva sample for testing, and then potential risks for more than 20 conditions -- including diabetes, obesity, prostate cancer and glaucoma -- will be posted on a password-protected Web site. In addition, 23andme is planning to launch its own test directly to consumers by the end of the year.

Some experts are concerned that results might spur consumers to seek additional tests, which could be unnecessary, or that people will worry excessively about their inability to affect their genetic predispositions (Winslow, Wall Street Journal, 11/6).

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