Biomedical scientists 'express concern over DIY genetics testing'
Wednesday 4th August 2010
The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) has issued new guidelines following the increase in the number of companies offering home-test kits for a range of genetic conditions.
In news that could be of interest to people working in biomedical science jobs, the HGC has published the Common Framework of Principles for direct-to-consumer genetic testing services.
According to HGC commissioner Dr Frances Flinter, some of the tests on the market are "of doubtful value", with a number of companies offering to check for hereditary illnesses and carry out ancestry research over the internet.
Dr Flinter added that, without proper explanation, some of the results presented to people can be confusing and misleading.
Health minister Anne Milton spoke out in support of the efforts to regulate the industry by the HGC.
"People deserve to have confidence that the tests they choose are evidence-based and that they fully understand what the results mean," she stated.
Among the recommendations are for organisations to provide counselling when testing for serious illnesses such as Huntington's disease or breast cancer and for all claims about tests to be supported by evidence published in scientific journals.
Chairman of the HGC Dr Jonathan Montgomery told the BBC that the organisation believes it is more effective to highlight good practice rather than fight for legislation to be introduced.
Written by Alex Franklin-Stortford
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