What are the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer genetic testing?

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing offers a way for you to learn about your genetic information without involving a doctor. Although there are potential benefits to direct-to-consumer genetic testing, the testing also has limitations. Here are some pros and cons to consider before undergoing direct-to-consumer genetic testing.

Pros:

• DNA samples are collected easily at home and can be mailed or shipped directly to the company.

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing can provide personalized information about disease risk, ancestry, and specific health traits.

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing does not require approval from a healthcare provider or a health insurance company.

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing may be less expensive than obtaining genetic testing through a healthcare provider.

• The results are provided directly to you and are not placed in your medical record (unless you share the results with your healthcare provider).

• Test results may encourage healthier lifestyle choices. 

Cons:

• Many health conditions and physical traits are caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies only look at the genetic component.

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies may test for only a few of the many genetic variants that contribute to a specific disease or trait. Receiving results based on incomplete information can provide false reassurance.

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing generally cannot predict whether or not you will develop a particular disease with certainty.

• There is currently limited oversight or regulation of direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies and the third-party services that offer to analyze and interpret your genetic information.

• The results from direct-to-consumer genetic testing typically need to be confirmed with additional testing ordered through a healthcare professional.
• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies may not provide healthcare professionals who can answer questions about your results.

• Genetic privacy may be compromised if these companies sell or share your genetic information or if a database is hacked or breached. Similarly, if a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company changes ownership, goes out of business, or declares bankruptcy, your genetic information may be transferred or sold.

• Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies may be required to disclose genetic information to law enforcement officials.

• Receiving unexpected information about your health, family relationships, or ancestry may be upsetting.

• Because relatives share genetic information, your results may have implications for other members of your family.

• The results of genetic testing may impact your ability to obtain life, disability, or long-term care insurance.

Assessing your overall health and your risk of developing specific health problems in the future can be complicated. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing provides some information about your health, but it does not provide a complete picture. It is important to understand what these tests can and cannot tell you before undergoing direct-to-consumer testing.