Genetic testing is a tool that can help you, and your family, take control of your health by making personalized, informed healthcare decisions. There are lots of different kinds of genetic tests: for rare conditions that only affect a small number of people, for ancestry and paternity, and now tests are available for common diseases like cancer and diabetes.
But as the number of companies offering genetic testing continues to grow, it can be confusing for many consumers to determine which service is the best, the most reliable, and the most appropriate for their needs. Not all genetic tests are created equal, and some genetic testing companies do not offer useful or even accurate services.
To help in the decision-making process, the National Society of Genetic Counselors has just released a list of questions consumers should ask when selecting a genetic testing service:
- Is a genetics professional or a knowledgeable healthcare provider involved in the process of ordering or interpreting a genetic test?
- Is the consumer provided with comprehensive information regarding what the test can and cannot say about his or her health?
- Will results be given in a manner understandable to the average consumer, with a clear explanation of their clinical implications, if any, and including resources providing appropriate follow-up?
- Is the scientific evidence on which a test is based clearly stated?
- Is the clinical testing laboratory accredited by CLIA, the State and/or other applicable accrediting agencies?
- Are privacy concerns addressed?
Navigenics has established itself as a leader in genetic testing, and we couldn’t agree more that these are important issues for every consumer to take into consideration. That’s why we have set up our genetic testing program to satisfy every single one of these requirements.
Unlike other direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, Navigenics has a team of certified genetic counselors on staff. Primarily, we are educators who can work with you to help you decide whether genetic testing is even right for you personally. We can also help you understand your results, put them in context, and consider how to best integrate the information into your life. Genetic counseling is available to all of our clients, and the sessions are private and free.
Our genetic test results are based on rigorous science. We use only government-certified laboratories, and we only report on genetic markers that have met stringent criteria developed by our team of Ph.D. geneticists.
Your privacy is important to us. Your genetic test results are kept private and secure, so that the only person who can access your results is you.
As the National Society of Genetic Counselors notes in its helpful guide to selecting the best genetic testing service, “All genetic tests, including those sold directly to consumers, can reveal life-changing information.”
That’s why it is so important for anyone considering genetic testing to do a little homework first. You should also consider the guidelines on selecting a genetic testing company that were recently published by the American Clinical Laboratory Association. Of course, if you have any questions, we are here to help.
Robert Apr 20, 2009
This was a very informative blog entry. Thanks so much ... this provides context that helps me get through some of my initial worries about genetic testing.