Preparing for a Consumer-Driven Genomic Age

Advances in genomic technology may soon allow for meaningful estimates of risks of developing cancer, diabetes, and other common diseases. Recent policy emphasis has been on consumer-driven health care.

Increasing use of "home" genetic tests often results in healthcare providers being bypassed, as patients turn to social networks for help in interpreting their results. However, there is no regulation for these home genetic tests. Many primary care physicians are challenged by interpretation of single gene tests, yet some home test kits claim to offer far more complex testing and results.

Consumers must be protected from unrealistic claims and misinterpretations of complicated, dynamic genomic information, and assured confidentiality of personal health data. FDA involvement needed?