Few direct-to-consumer test users receive Genetic Counseling...

 
Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing

Direct to consumer (DTC) genetic tests are tests that are conducted by genetic testing laboratories without requiring a referral from a health professional. The customer wanting a test deals directly with the laboratory; supplying the sample, receiving results and paying for the test.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics (Sept 2017) identified that, a very small percentage of direct-to-consumer genetic test users seek genetic counselors' services before and after testing.

The article postulates that is such low enthusiasm of consumers to seek Genetic counselling are because:

  1. The consumer has low expectations of the impact of results on their health care.
  2. The consumer does not know where to find genetic counsellors to interpret the results.
  3. The consumer feels they will be criticized for doing the test without a health professional's guidance.

In fact, Pre- and post-test Genetic counselling can help you understand:

  1. gain a better understanding of the test requested, and;
  2. interpret the results in the context of their health and the health of their family.

Published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics Sept 2017

 
Bernadette Hanna