Some years ago, companies started selling DNA kits directly to customers online, made possible by the reducing costs of genome analysis. Consumer genetics companies provide a wide range of tests regarding a person’s health, ancestry, and other traits. Common tests include one’s ability to taste bitter flavors, the risks of developing heart diseases, diabetes, the photos sneeze reflux, and how well one is likely to respond to certain medications.
Before, consumer genetics companies did not produce a complete genome sequence but studied sites in the genome that usually differ between individuals, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). But thanks to the decreasing costs of consumer genomics and analysis, multiple companies provide complete genome sequencing services to consumers.
Consequently, many people have undergone direct-to-consumer genetic (DTC) testing. Initially, you wouldn’t believe it when someone told you that it was possible to receive a report of whether any disease or nefarious condition lurks with only a simple exchange of cheek cells. But now it is possible. Before you get your DNA tested, it is crucial to understand the difference between clinical and DTC genomics.
Direct to Consumer Testing
A Healthcare provider requests clinical genetic testing to investigate a specific medical condition. In contrast, direct consumer testing is a test that anyone in the general public can order and complete without the involvement of a healthcare provider. Direct to consumer testing companies market the service directly to consumers.
During a DTC test, one mails in a sample of their DNA, typically a saliva sample containing cheek cells or a swab. After the test, they receive the report through the website. The test seeks to answer questions about one’s family history, ancestry, and preexposure to certain diseases. It is also known as at-home genetic testing, direct access genetic testing, genealogy testing, or consumer-initiated genetic testing.
Different companies provide several types of non-diagnostic direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Common ones include tests for disease-causing genes, ancestry, genetic health risk, and pharmacogenetics. The most important thing for a consumer is to review the results of a DTC with a primary care health provider before making any health or lifestyle decisions.
Although they are not diagnostic direct-to-consumer genomics is a relatively inexpensive large-scale population screening tool for identifying people potentially exposed to genetically linked conditions but don’t have contact with a healthcare provider. However, if you have a phenotype and think you are predisposed to hereditary cancer, you should undergo clinical genetic testing.
Clinical
Clinical and DTC genetic tests differ in costs, accuracy, and access. The most notable difference is that clinical genetic testing is diagnostic. A clinical genetic test may cost $1000-2000 because it is a complete examination of the genetic cause of a disease.
That means it may involve more than one sequencing method or manual investigation of gene variants. In contrast, DTC tests use low-cost automated tests with automated analysis and reporting that range from around $100.
Conclusion
As consumer genomics evolve, genetic information will encourage people to practice frequent medical screenings and adopt lifestyle changes that minimize their risks of certain diseases.
