How to Understand At-Home Gene Tests

A recent poll through Self magazine, shows that 73 percent of respondents said if given the chance, they would want to know if they were facing a disease in their future. And a growing number of companies are now profiting from that curiosity. Dozens of tests are already available to consumers and many more are in development.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn how they work. Kits can be purchased online (costs range from $200 to $3,500) that check for any predisposition to conditions such as breast, ovarian and colon cancer, diabetes and blood-clotting disorders. Usually, you swab the inside of your cheek and send the cells to a lab. Results arrive within a month.
2. Understand that most of these tests are not FDA-approved, nor are the labs regulated, which leaves lots of room for error. Although some companies have genetic counselors on call, not all of these firms put your results into context. According to Cathy Wicklund, president of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, this lack of information can lead to a false sense of security or unnecessary anxiety.
3. If you're concerned about any inherited disease risks, skip the at-home gene test and talk to your doctor or genetic counselor instead.

Tips & Warnings

• To locate a genetic counselor, visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors at NSGC.org.