bbgm - the discussion - Latest Comments in The right to get yourself genotyped

Re: The right to get yourself genotyped

Mr. Gunn — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:08:42 -0000

Steve is so shooting himself in the foot here. Does he really think that the services of a genetic counselor will be needed less , if everyone is getting genotyped?

Of course, the pro-genotyping side made a similar mistake in the GINA legislation. Did it not occur to them that insurance companies would PAY people to get their genotypes read?

Re: The right to get yourself genotyped

mndoci — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:21:43 -0000

sjlm ... completely agree.

Re: The right to get yourself genotyped

sjlm — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:53:47 -0000

I agree that an individual has a right to their own genomic data (and should have total control over who has access to the data). They also have a right to know that an objective assessment of the data (as of 2008) indicates that the predictive power of the tests is only slightly better than reading their daily horoscope.

Re: The right to get yourself genotyped

mndoci — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:16:31 -0000

Yes, if there is a test that is misrepresenting information, then shut it down, but none of the big personal genetics companies are doing so. I actually find the tools they offer some of the better ones at helping people understand their genetics and genealogy in general

Re: The right to get yourself genotyped

mndoci — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:14:44 -0000

And Steve I completely disagree with your posts as well. I actually trust my colleagues at my former work place about 1000% more than I trust physicians when it comes to interpreting genotyping data. You don't trust the tests, don't buy them.

These are NOT diagnostics, not being marketed as such and I haven't met a single person who thinks they are such. I wish you would channel your energy into consumer education. Or do you think that people are essentially idiots? The government over-regulates anyway and kills innovation. Lets not do anything here.

Believe me, this is all about lobbying. Otherwise, no one has issues about rich people spending their money.

Re: The right to get yourself genotyped

Steven Muprhy MD — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:57:23 -0000

It's not the lobbyists. It is the lack of self-regulation. Ever heard of Big Oil? Tobacco? Pharma? Well, genetics hasn't regulated itself for 30+ years. Now the gov't plans to step in. I cover this in my recent posts.
-Steve
www.thegenesherpa.blogspot.com