What’s the state of evidence of current genetic services offered by industry?

At this very moment, genetic tests are available for public without interference of health professionals. The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) recently (December 2007) advised the British Government about these tests. HGC’s conclusion is that genetic tests for e.g. the personal risk on cardiovascular diseases are a waist of money as yet; the test is not based on scientific evidence. HGC’s research shows that the examined genes don’t relate to the risk of developing this disease. Other tests examine only one gene of the DNA, while the disease concerned can be related to multiple genes.

Medical doctors are concerned that bad quality genetic tests can damage the public trust in tests that are based on scientific evidence, such as for breast cancer. HGC’s advise is that companies that want to market genetic tests, should start with the scientific evidence for these tests.
 

Reference: Human Genetics Commission. More genes direct. A report on developments in the availability, marketing and regulation of genetic tests supplied directly to the public. December 2007. See full report