Authorities Urge Caution About Consumer-Ordered Genetic Tests

In response to the increased availability and reduced costs of genetic tests for the public, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has recommended that Australians use caution when ordering tests, and a number of new publications are emphasising this with accompanying resources.

NHMRC CEO Professor Warwick Anderson said the resources offered valuable advice that should help Australians make informed decisions about purchasing such tests.

“Given phenomenal advances in genetic technologies, more and more companies are offering direct-to-consumer genetic tests. These are being taken up by an increasing number of people who are curious about their ancestry or interested in learning about their predisposition to certain health conditions,” Professor Anderson said.

“However, consumers should be aware of the implications of using genetic tests which may preclude the advice or involvement of their doctor,” he said.

“Direct-to-consumer genetic tests are often offered by companies based overseas which may not meet Australian standards for quality and reliability for medical laboratory testing.

“Consumers should be cautious about the accuracy of some of these tests and be mindful that while genetic testing may offer an indication of predisposition to a particular health condition, results should not be treated as a definitive diagnosis.

“Ultimately, the NHMRC advises that consumers exercise caution and consult their doctor or a genetic counsellor to understand the potential risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing, or how to interpret the results of a genetic test,” Professor Anderson said.