Direct To Consumer Genetic Tests Misleading Test Results Are Further Complicated By Deceptive Marketing And Other Questionable Practices

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.

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

"In 2006, GAO investigated companies selling direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests and testified that these companies made medically unproven disease predictions. Although new companies have since been touted as being more reputable-Time named one company's test 2008's "invention of the year"-experts remain concerned that the test results mislead consumers. GAO was asked to investigate DTC genetic tests currently on the market and the advertising methods used to sell these tests. GAO purchased 10 tests each from four companies, for $299 to $999 per test. GAO then selected five donors and sent two DNA samples from each donor to each company: one using factual information about the donor and one using fictitious information, such as incorrect age and race or ethnicity. After comparing risk predictions that the donors received for 15 diseases, GAO made undercover calls to the companies seeking health advice. GAO did not conduct a scientific study but instead documented observations that could be made by any consumer. To assess whether the tests provided any medically useful information, GAO consulted with genetics experts. GAO also interviewed representatives from each company. To investigate advertising methods, GAO made undercover contact with 15 DTC..."

In 2006, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigated companies selling direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests and testified that these companies made medically unproven disease predictions. Although new companies have since been touted as being more reputable, experts remain concerned that the test results mislead consumers. This book examines the genetic tests currently on the market; the misleading test results themselves; the deceptive marketing techniques utilized; and other questionable practices.

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This collection examines one of the fastest growing fields of regulation: data rights. The book moves debates about data beyond data and privacy protecting statutes. In doing so, it asks what private law may have to say about these issues and explores how private law may influence the interpretation and the form of legislation dealing with data. Over five parts it: sets out an overview of the themes and problems; explores theoretical justifications and challenges in understanding data; considers data through the perspective of cognate private law doctrines; assesses the contribution of private law in understanding individual rights; and finally examines the potential of private law in providing individual remedies for wrongful data use, supplementing the work of regulators. The contributors are specialists in their respective fields of private law with long-standing expertise in the challenges to data privacy posed by emerging digital technologies.