Letters
Direct-to-consumer tests
Direct-to-consumer genetic tests also need to be regulated
BMJ 2025; 388 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.r144 (Published 24 January 2025) Cite this as: BMJ 2025;388:r144
- Frances A Flinter, emeritus professor of clinical genetics
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- frances.flinter{at}gstt.nhs.uk
Gram and colleagues describe valid concerns arising from the growing market for medical direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests but do not mention genetic tests.1
Most genetic tests are not regulated. They go to market (often over the internet) without any independent analysis to verify the claims of the company marketing them. Finding a “health risk” on DTC genetic testing often does …
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