Earlier this year, the FDA was considering creating regulations for over the counter DNA testing kits. This is in response to questions about the accuracy of these types of genetic tests. A new study done by Dutch researchers found many of these types of tests to be flawed and inaccurate. Genealogy is the study of one’s family. Many genealogists desire to take their research to the genetic level. The over the counter DNA testing kits can be appealing because of the information they can provide. Most of these genetic testing kits will give a person information about the health issues … Continue reading →

A study shows that, if given the opportunity, most parents would get a genetic test done on their child. It’s an interesting insight into the perception many parents have of those direct to consumer genetic testing kits. These kinds of kits have already raised concerns with lawmakers and regulators in the United States. If you could get a genetic test that would analyze your child’s DNA, would you use it? I don’t mean the kind of genetic testing that your doctor would prescribe or order. I am referring to the over the counter genetic test kits that consumers can purchase … Continue reading →

Recently, the FDA put together an advisory panel in order to figure out what regulations should be put in place in regards to direct to consumer DNA testing kits. The opinions of the experts has lead the FDA to conclude that at least some of these genetic tests should require the involvement of a doctor. If so, this could, potentially, change how easy it is for genealogists to use these tests to create their medical family tree. The discovery of the human genome, and all the research that has been done on it, has occurred in a relatively short span … Continue reading →