Company plans to sell genetic testing kit at drugstores

The Washington Post ^ | 11 May 2010 | Rob Stein

[Palter]

Beginning Friday, shoppers in search of toothpaste, deodorant and laxatives at more than 6,000 drugstores across the nation will be able to pick up something new: a test to scan their genes for a propensity for Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, diabetes and other ailments.

The test also claims to offer a window into the chances of becoming obese, developing psoriasis and going blind. For those thinking of starting a family, it could alert them to their risk of having a baby with cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs and other genetic disorders. The test also promises users insights into how caffeine, cholesterol-lowering drugs and blood thinners might affect them.

The over-the-counter test marks the first foray of personalized genomic medicine into the corner drugstore. The move is being welcomed by those who hope that deciphering the genetic code will launch a new era in biomedical science.

But it's being feared by those who worry it will open a Pandora's box of confusion, privacy violations, genetic discrimination and other issues.

The new test comes as federal regulators, bioethicists, geneticists, doctors and patients have been increasingly struggling with how to use, interpret, regulate and guard against abuse from the flood of genetic information, tests and technologies being developed because of the massive, government-sponsored Human Genome Project.

For years, companies have been hawking tests on the Internet that can analyze genes for a person's risk of some diseases, and genetic tests for paternity and ancestry have been widely available in stores.

[Sacajaweau]

Just another market in the health sector.

Eat a balanced diet including meat, eggs and milk. Get at least 15 minutes of sun each day....on your walk..

Stop worrying about what you're gonna die from...

[hennie pennie]

*ping*

[goseminoles]

Information is not a bad thing. However, people should be getting it from their doctors.

[JoeProBono]

[Sacajaweau]

I believe in the simple blood test....Not perfect but it tells a lot....I always get my results from the doctor and keep a file...and it gives me the option of asking my doctor questions. It’s a good guide.

[goseminoles]

Yep. Regular blood tests tell a lot. As far as these tests that measure genetic predisposition, maybe if you’re an adult and were adopted as a child it would be a good idea.

[SunkenCiv]

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[GSP.FAN]

Can’t wait till healthcare gets there hand on this info and trust me they will..
“I am sorry sir we will decline you for healthcare you are going to be obese..

[Battle Axe]

Depends on your blood type.

Check out Peter D’Adamo DIET BY YOUR BLOOD TYPE.

[Bellflower]

Someone needs to get a hold of Oba’s DNA and find out what may be lurking there and what his genetic past just may be. I imagine his DNA could be very, very telling.

[SunkenCiv]

• AMP cautions consumers about direct access genetic testing