Earlier this month we mentioned Navigenics -- a DNA testing service where you send in a swab of your spit to be analyzed for a variety of genetically testable diseases. Now there seems to be a growing controversy concerning these over-the-mailbox testing kits. Both New York state and California have issued warning letters to such companies including Navigenics and 23andMe stating these tests should not be administered without oversight from a practicing physician. Although no formal charges have been made yet, interested customers from New York have been put on a waiting list at Navigenics until this mess can be sorted out. At least that particular company offers genetic counseling services for individuals who find out they may be predisposed to get Alzheimers and other diseases... a small step in the right direction.Posts with tag Navigenics
Growing Controversy Over Online DNA Testing
Earlier this month we mentioned Navigenics -- a DNA testing service where you send in a swab of your spit to be analyzed for a variety of genetically testable diseases. Now there seems to be a growing controversy concerning these over-the-mailbox testing kits. Both New York state and California have issued warning letters to such companies including Navigenics and 23andMe stating these tests should not be administered without oversight from a practicing physician. Although no formal charges have been made yet, interested customers from New York have been put on a waiting list at Navigenics until this mess can be sorted out. At least that particular company offers genetic counseling services for individuals who find out they may be predisposed to get Alzheimers and other diseases... a small step in the right direction.Pop-Up Store Sells $2500 Genetic Testing
Starting on April 8th and continuing for ten days, Navigenics will pop-up on a well-known block in SoHo to market their genetic testing kits as well as hosting panel discussions on genetics and other health related programs. These genetic testing kits are designed to screen your DNA for seventeen diseases and conditions including Alzheimer's, breast cancer and Type II diabetes, in order to share with customers the likelihood of them developing these diseases later in life. No pin-prick needed -- just a swab of your saliva will do the trick. Sent off to a laboratory your risk assessment results are returned to you via email, with password protection for privacy, within weeks. It certainly is pricey but for some individuals, their health and knowing the possibilities is worth the $2,500.
