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Direct-To-Consumer Genetics Testing Makes a Splash In Boston
eldavojohn writes "MIT's Technology Review has the scoop on the first annual Consumer Genetics Show starting today in Boston and it looks like the rage these days is genetic testing sans the middle-man physician. And it's getting more prevalent and more available: 'A number of companies offering direct-to-consumer genetic testing have cropped up in the past two years to capitalize on these advances, from 23andMe and Navigenics, which offer genome-wide scans to identify specific disease-linked genetic variations, to Knome, which offers whole-genome sequencing to the wealthy. Any doubts that personal genomics is making its way into the mainstream can be assuaged with a look at Interleukin genetics, a startup that sells genetic tests for heart-disease risk, B vitamin metabolism, and other factors through Amway, the direct-sales company.' Over-the-counter genetic tests may be much closer than you think. The article raises concerns that this information will be misused/misinterpreted or even provide a false sense of security. We've discussed some states prohibiting this last year."
Considering the statistical prevalence of botched tests in the controlled laboratory environment of mainstream medicine, I shudder to think how many "wrong" results we will see when a pyramid company like Amway starts offering tests direct-to-consumer.
If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
People do not possibly comprehend the accuracy required for genetics tests to have any validity, of which even current companies aren't the best at. By using a company like Amway, all that you're going to get is very rough probabilities, exactly the opposite of what consumers want, but what they'll be left with, since they naturally cut corners and need to do a CYA job, leaving that as the net result.
The only hope I can come of with this nonsense is that people begin realizing the NEED for accuracy on scales beyond you can imagine as a result of the useless of genetics tests when you don't do them right.
Note: I've already done these tests (NOT Amway, of course), which is why I know what I'm talking about here.
There was a law passed saying you can't discriminate on genetics. That law and the private health care industry are mutually incompatible, one will have to die within the next 5-15 years.