Such companies offering DNA tests for genealogical information now exist in abundance (Bandelt et al. 2008). Evolution of the DTC GT market As with any new market, commercial success for DTC GT companies will depend greatly on the public demand for these services. This consumer demand, in turn, will depend on many factors, including consumers’ AZD1208 concentration desire or need to obtain genetic testing services outside of the traditional health care system. With this in mind, the DTC model of genetic testing may have underestimated the consumer’s attachment to
their physician. A report by the investment bank Burril & Company (San Francisco) revealed that physicians remain the most likely source to which individuals will turn for health and genetic information. (Burril & Company/Change Wave Research 2008) A
few studies also showed that two thirds of consumers who ordered genetic tests directly to consumer shared their test results with their healthcare professional or were planning to do so (Kolor et al. 2009; McGuire et al. 2009). In general, the DTC model creates concerns for potential consumers regarding credibility of tests, security of DNA use, privacy of genetic risk information, and lack of confidence in non face-to-face genetic counseling (Wilde et al. 2010; People Science and Policy selleck chemicals Ltd 2002). With this in mind, it is not surprising that various companies have opted for DTC advertising instead of DTC sales of their services. They have combined the DTC advertising along with the involvement Loperamide of regular healthcare professionals who then order the test for their patients. Depending on the test, some companies require an order from a physician (e.g., www.hairdx.com) or an oncologist (e.g.,
www.collabrx.com). The company Counsyl, (www.counsyl.com) which offers pre-conceptional carrier testing, changed its policy since its launch in February 2010. At the time, Counsyl underlined the possibility of ordering the test directly from the company: “You can order the test directly from our website to receive your kit immediately. Everyone has a prescription: the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) recommends that adults of reproductive age be offered carrier testing for cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, two of the many conditions assayed by the Universal Genetic Test. Alternatively, you may get the test through your doctor.” (https://www.counsyl.com/learn/easy/ accessed 04/05/2010) Since May 2010, however, testing from Counsyl can only be requested through a physician; therefore, consumers first need to find a physician that offers the test. The company also sends the results directly to the physician for interpretation, thereby, technically no longer selling tests directly to consumers (https://www.counsyl.com/learn/easy/ accessed 06/06/2010).