Innogen responds to HGC Consultation into Direct to Consumer Genetic Tests

The availability of direct-to-consumer genetic tests has increased dramatically over the last ten years and needs to come under general guidelines, accepted internationally. 

The publication of a Consultation on a Common Framework of Principles for direct-to-consumer genetic testing services by the Human Genetics Commission on 8th September 2009 represents an important step towards this.

Dr Frances Flinter, the HGC Commissioner who chaired the working group that developed the principles, said: “Direct-to-consumer tests covering everything from hereditary illnesses to ancestry research have multiplied significantly in recent years. Many of these tests are provided over the Internet by companies in the USA or Europe or over the counter in shops and pharmacies without advice from clinically trained professionals and with little in the way of regulation.

Dr James Mittra prepared Innogen's response to this consultation, which is available to download: Innogen Response to HGC Enquiry into Direct to Consumer Genetic Tests (PDF 180kb)