While we're a little on the topic of DNA testing, one thing I thought I'd mention is that in the past year or so a number of companies have begun to offer a variety of "personalized" DNA or genomics tests. In many cases, these companies test for a wide variety of genetic variations than have been "associated" with disease. The key word here is "associated". In general, most of these tests are not in any way conclusive nor do we have any solid recommendations on what to do as a result of having been found to have a given genetic variation. In a lot of cases, the presence of a certain DNA sequence has no impact in a given individual even though on average across a lot of individuals it results in an increased risk of disease. Hence, at present, the bottom line is that many of the tests currently being offered by these up and coming companies, do not provide much benefit (other than to the shareholders of these companies). So, I'm just bringing this up to suggest that it's premature for people to make use of the current crop of large-scale genetic tests and rather it's best to only pay for tests that your physician has a good medical reason to order (e.g family history, other symptoms etc.).
The reason I bring this up is that the sister of a close friend dropped about $700 on some very dubious genetic tests last year. I looked at the tests she was given, the results of the tests and the "recommendations" given to her by the test providers. The bottom line is that she wasted $700 on tests that were roughly the equivalent of a horoscope. However, since the tests were wrapped up complex language and "sexy" DNA related technologies, it was easy for both the doctor and the testing company to confuse the patient. I just want to warn C-brats against falling into the same trap. If the test isn't FDA approved, get a 2nd or even 3rd opinion before dropping significant $'s.
