Reliability of Home DNA Tests
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reported to the Senate that home DNA tests are misleading, medically unproven, and/or ambiguous.
While genetic science has great potential, “This industry represents a fraudulent mutation of that promise,” says Gordon Smith, R-Ore., chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Smith, who called for the study, said consumers should visit their doctors for tests if they are concerned about particular diseases.
The investigation included tests from Suracell, Genelex, and Sciona. The GAO used two samples of DNA to purchase 14 tests from these three companies and found:
- Unfounded disease prediction
- Promotion of expensive dietary supplements also sold by Suracell and Market America
- Unreliable and inconsistent results
Company representatives will be testifying today. (And I’m waiting to see if Drs. Keith Grimaldi and Rosalynn Gill-Garrison will participate in the Genetics and Health weekly interview series.)
USA Today, July 27, 2006
GAO Report (which I will read after I prepare dinner)
Webcast and all testimonies
Technorati Tags: congress, senate, genetic testing, dna tests, home dna tests, sciona, suracell, genelex, genetics, genes, dna, disease, illness, health
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POSTED IN: Genetic Testing, Nutrigenomics
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11 opinions for Reliability of Home DNA Tests
Andy Aldridge
Jul 27, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Dr. Lei,
The articles in USA Today and Wall Street Journal left out some very important aspects of the GAO report, portions which, when considered, show that the GAO investigation was mis-aimed. I’d enjoy the opportunity to set up an interview with you and my Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Julian Blumenfeld.
If you’re interested, just send an email to andya@morebv.com
Sincerely,
Andy Aldridge
Director of Public Relations
Market America, Inc.
Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
Jul 28, 2006 at 2:41 am
Thanks, Andy. I’ve emailed you. Any other companies lurking who’d like to have a chat?
lisa
Jul 30, 2006 at 8:04 am
well, keep in mind some of the key facts:
1. the public thinks there is a “do-nothing” congress according to polls
2. The congressional elections are in November
3. Congress recessed on Friday
4. Home DNA testing is press-worthy topic
5. Sen. Smith wants to go back to Oregon and say to his constituents “hey, look at all the important things I am doing in Washington”
Our tax dollars put to work in the usual way…
Hsien Hsien Lei, PhD
Jul 30, 2006 at 8:22 am
lisa: Thanks for your comment. I see you’re a cynic. ;)
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