What ’ s Next For Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing

The Human Genome Project, an international scientific cooperation on discovering the human genome, began in 1990. The goal of the undertaking was to identify the DNA sequence of the entire human genome. I was a medical student when the completion of the Human Genome Project was announced in 2003. I assumed, just like everyone else in the medical community, that this would change everything. Two decades have passed since then. And although the scientific progress is still outstanding, genetic testing did not become the new norm in healthcare. I want to know why. I’ve had my genome and microbiome sequenced. I have also tested and reviewed over six types of direct-to-consumer genetic tests to experience what patients would go through using such services. I have learnt a lot about how my body works, what my challenges are, and with some follow-up, it also became clear what these meant for my everyday life. But these tests leave at least as much room for misinterpretation as they help to understand the challenges. As a medical doctor with a PhD in genomics, I struggled with understanding the results and had to consult with my GP and a genetic counsellor. Genetic testing, however, should not be so difficult.  Why isn’t genetic testing the norm in healthcare? In 2003 when I heard about the completion of the Human Genome Project, I would’ve bet that in 2021, genetic testing will be done as a standard hospital procedure – preferably as soon as a baby...
Source: The Medical Futurist - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Lifestyle medicine Biotechnology Digital Health Research E-Patients Future of Medicine Genomics Health Sensors & Trackers Healthcare Policy Medical Education Portable Medical Diagnostics Security & Privacy Genetic testing genetics Source Type: blogs