Direct to Consumer Genetic Testing

Can you think of a better use of what we learned from the human genome project, a better way to use some of the most sophisticated and promising technology, than a DNA dating service.  For just $1995 you can join up, have your DNA tested, fill out a questionnaire and meet others that you should have a physical attraction to.  An article in the Economist states that the DNA test is used to compare MHC genes.  Many of you may remember seeing the story years ago on research concerning the perceived relationship between odor and attractiveness.  Since MHC is important for immune response to pathogens, it is hypothesized that MHC alleles that are diverse will make someone more fit and potential mates will prefer someone who has very different MHC alleles from their own, leading to fit offspring.  If you believe in this research and you are looking for a mate, maybe you should pay the $1995 and find your genetic match, or mismatch.

At the end of March another California company announced they have a DNA test for consumers. Biomarker offers what they call Gene Essence, The test is done with the Affymetrix SNP chip. For $1195 the company will provide your genotype at >900,000 SNPs. The website is not very impressive, showing what seems to be a rather minimalist report, in addition there were numerous typos explaining the report. I don’t think this latest testing company will be much competition for 23andMe and deCODEme.

Yes, Rite Aid, the ubiquitous American drug store (3rd largest in the US) sells kits for paternity testing. For just $29 you can buy a genetic test kit. If you actually want to have the test done you will pay an additional $119 to the testing company, Identigene. This type of genetic testing has been available for many years now over the internet or by contacting the testing company directly. The fact that the test is available through Rite Aid is only significant because it allows the web naive to purchase the test. In the past such people would have to go to a lab setting to provide the sample, which probably made some uncomfortable and embarrassed. After the man swabs his and the child-in-question’s cheek he send the samples in and in about a week will have confidence that he is or is not the child’s father. So far more women have bought the test than men, but obviously the men are the ones taking the test. Interestingly, Rite Aid did a pilot study and found that there was a huge demand for the test, and that is why they have now introduced it nationwide. Well almost nationwide; New York has a law against selling paternity tests without a court order. Since the test is not legally binding I don’t see the problem, but I guess New Yorkers can get them from a neighboring state if they are so inclined.

For ten days this month Navigenics will sell their Health Compass service on the streets of Manhattan. For as little as $2500 you can learn about your genetic predisposition for such diverse conditions as Restless Legs Syndrome, Psoriasis and Glaucoma, to name a few. What sets Navigenics apart from DeCode and 23andMe is that, according to them, they focus on conditions “you can take action after learning your results”. Also, Navigenics provides personalized counseling, in which an actual genetic counselor will go over your results with you. So if you hear the sound of someone spitting in SoHo, it may be someone curious about their odds of developing lupus, or maybe not.