Buyer beware: What you need to know before purchasing a direct-to-consumer genetic test
It was once the domain of doctors with bona fide concerns about their patients’ genetic predisposition for illness. Today, advances in technology have brought genetic testing to the fingertips of anybody with a few hundred dollars to spare.
The draw is understandable. Genetic testing can help people identify, prepare for and maybe even prevent future health problems. Knowing what genes may be passed down to offspring could influence family planning. Genetic testing can even reveal sensitivities to certain foods or the mysteries of one’s parentage.
Before diving into the ever-growing direct-to-consumer genetic testing market, however, it’s important to recognize that there are inherent risks to unlocking the secrets that lie deep within your DNA.
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