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Can a DNA home test help predict your health?

TODAY contributor Dr. Judith Reichman offers some advice on the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
/ Source: TODAY

Q: I see ads all over the Internet about kits that would allow me to get my DNA checked and find out what's wrong with me. Should I be wary of these tests?

A: Just so we're on the same page, this is called direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing. These are genetic tests that are marketed directly to the consumer, instead of through healthcare providers. This type of genetic testing is legally marketed in roughly half of states. Currently, there's very little governmental oversight regarding this marketing. (Several European countries have actually banned it or are considering banning it).

There are more than 1,100 genetic tests that are clinically available and many of these are indeed being offered through DTC. Some tests just look at a single gene disorder (like cystic fibrosis), while others look at multiple genetic changes that “show” a person's predisposition to a disease, often one that is also influenced by many behavioral, environmental and even socio-economic factors. Remember that certain genetic changes may make one more prone to a disease, but don't necessarily predict its developments. (Examples include depression and cardiovascular diseases).

They're pretty smart out there on the Internet. Companies that do DTC not only suggest a change in lifestyle based on test results, but will also "for your convenience and health" sell nutritional supplements. In addition to a medical apprehension about this kind of marketing (and selling), there's concern that consumers won’t get adequate information about the test reliability, or significance of positive or negative test results. If you test negative does that mean you won’t or can’t develop the disease? You may get a false sense of disease-free security. Moreover, the quality of the test may not have undergone appropriate review, and the claims regarding the test and/or its results may either be exaggerated or unsupported by scientific evidence.

Having made these negative proclamations I have to also state that those who support DTC testing claim that it increases consumer (and that means you) access, empowers you and enhances your privacy if the test is found to be abnormal. Regarding the latter (I guess I’m still a bit downbeat here), even though the DTC company may use privacy as a "come hither" tool, unless they disclose their privacy policies you can't be sure that the results aren't being shared in some way. If your physician is given these results know that they will become part of your medical record which may, at some point, be shared with your insurance company.

Because of all of these concerns, the American Society of Human Genetics recently made recommendations regarding DTC genetic testing. I will try to summarize and simplify their suggestions:

  • Disclosure: The DTC company should tell you how sensitive and predictive the test is in a way that you (and not just a statistician or geneticist) can understand.
  • Strength of scientific evidence: This should be disclosed, especially if the disease or condition is caused by many factors and the genetic abnormality for which the company is testing is only one of them.
  • Risk: The DTC company should disclose whatever risks there might be to your insurance and your psyche if the genetic variant is found.
  • Certification: The DTC company's lab procedures should be certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA).
  • Privacy: They must disclose their privacy policy.
  • Clinical evidence: The DTC company should reveal any clinical evidence for all treatment recommendations they make (without selling you something).

Dr. Reichman’s Bottom Line: Beware of ads for DTC genetic testing. These tests aren't always clinically relevant, may not come from high quality labs, and the claims of what the test results do and don’t predict may be false or misleading. Read the fine print and talk to your doctor before you take that swab or blood test.

Dr. Judith Reichman, the TODAY show’s medical contributor on women’s health, has practiced obstetrics and gynecology for more than 20 years. You will find many answers to your questions in her latest book, “Slow Your Clock Down: The Complete Guide to a Healthy, Younger You,” which is now available in paperback. It is published by William Morrow, a division of .

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this column should not be construed as providing specific medical advice, but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician.