Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests: Misleading Test Results are Further Complicated by Deceptive Marketing and Other Questionable Practices

Download or read book Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests: Misleading Test Results are Further Complicated by Deceptive Marketing and Other Questionable Practices written by Gregory Kutz and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 2010-11 with total page 33 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2006, the auditor investigated companies selling direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests and testified that these companies made medically unproven disease predictions. Experts are concerned that the test results mislead consumers. The auditor was asked to investigate DTC genetic tests currently on the market and the advertising methods used to sell these tests. Kutz purchased 10 tests each from four companies, for $299 to $999 per test. He then selected five donors and sent two DNA samples from each donor to each co.: one using factual info. about the donor and one using fictitious info., such as incorrect age and race or ethnicity. The fictitious consumers received test results that are misleading and of little or no practical use. Illus.