http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2010/08/11/should-consumers-have-the-right-to-buy-any-genetic-test/
How much power should consumers hold? At what point do we need to step back and let medical experts take over? This is the question that the article I chose for Biology discusses. Early in 2010, a genetic test for disease risk was close to being marketed in everyday drug stores. However, in April, the FDA raised questions about the tests, possibly in response to other questions and opinions. How would being able to test to see whether you were at risk for heart disease change who you were as a person? What about the more difficult tests, learning that your child had a high risk of Down Syndrome or Trisomy 13? Would you be able to make a reasonable and mature conclusion without a doctor to talk you through risks and lifestyles? Not even professional tests are right 100% of the time; would you wait and see if your test turned out to be wrong? But I digress. In the end, Walgreens decided not to sell the products, and the FDA warned for producers of these genetic tests that they may be subject to regulation.
How far should our hold over genetic testing and knowledge reach? As of yet, it has often been determined by the creators and producers of such products as to whether or not they can be purchased in such a manner. However, with our ever increasing biotechnology, and understanding of these diseases and disorders, it is clear that something will have to change. "In such a fast-changing landscape, striking the right balance between protecting the public and promoting innovation is crucial," says Gail Javitt, of the Berman Institute of Bioethics at John Hopkins University. It is true, isn't it? We need a certain guideline to go by or else there may be serious issues resulting from these tests in the future.
I didn't know all that much about genetic testing or genetic disorders before this project in Biology. This article was especially interesting. I feel (through my own experiences alone) that there could be some very serious consequences from allowing the average consumer take tests, especially concerning genetic disorders. My good friend has an aunt, who was told that her child was at risk for Down Syndrome, but it turned out that the test was incorrect. This leads me to believe that a home test would be even faultier, meaning that many people may make rash decisions based on those results, taking them at face value. It is a very tricky path, and I will be very interested to learn more about where this road takes us.
