Do not engage in genetic self-testing!
The FDA opposed the sale of genetic tests in pharmaciesCopper news
The American company Pathway Genomics has announced the first sets of genetic tests intended for general sale, reports The Washington Post (Fears surround over-the-counter genetic tests).
A number of scientists have expressed doubt about the feasibility of such a diagnosis. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends not to put a new product on the market until an expert opinion on its use is received.
Genetic diagnostic kits are special plastic vessels for collecting and packaging saliva samples required for DNA analysis. These samples are intended to be sent to the Pathway Genomics laboratory, where a study is conducted and a conclusion is given.
The price of the kit itself ranges from $ 20 to $ 30, the cost of diagnostics depends on the set of specific tests. For $79, the company offers to determine the likely reaction of the body to 10 common chemicals, including caffeine, statins, warfarin, tamoxifen and others. For $ 179, the couple will be able to learn about the risk of developing 23 diseases in future children (diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, etc.). It costs the same to determine their own predisposition to 23 diseases, including heart attack, hypertension, multiple sclerosis and some malignant tumors. The cost of all three tests is $249.
Diagnostic kits are planned to be sold in 6 thousand branches of the Walgreens pharmacy chain located throughout the country.
Experts from leading US medical research institutes have expressed doubt about the feasibility of selling such tests. In their opinion, with the modern development of genetic diagnostics, the results of the tests will have insufficient accuracy to issue an unambiguous conclusion. Moreover, these results may be misinterpreted by the buyer, which will lead to underestimation or, conversely, overestimation of their risk. There are also concerns about the risk of disclosure of personal data, discrimination on genetic grounds, etc.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru11.05.2010