I think maybe the government of Germany has been receiving the same emails as myself. You see, in case you missed it, Germany is banning Direct To Consumer testing of DNA. This is something that I have been covering for almost 2 years now.....not the Germany thing but the whole regulation of what could be construed to be the practice of medicine.
Why do I think Angie Merkel has been getting the same emails as me? Well, take a look at my inbox-
"There is a new comment on the post "How to Fake a DNA Test".http://www.eyeondna.com/2008/04/13/how-to-fake-a-dna-test/
Author: Scooter Jones Comment:If someone wants to fake a DNA test would it work if he put someone elses saliva, sperm or blood in his mouth prior to being tested.?"
A while back I said that people could potentially "fake" a DNA test, planting DNA at a crime scene, etc.
It turns out 'Ol Scooter is trying to figure out whether Sperm, Blood or Spit is the best way to go......Too Bad he doesn't know that it's awfully tough to "spit" sperm or blood into a vacutainer tube.......
Maybe he could just bid on one of those Whoel Genome Scans that KNOME is offering.........too late :(
These DTC companies better hurry up before the US does the same thing as Germany's law
"Under the law, genetic tests can only be carried out by a doctor and require the full consent of all parties involved.
In addition it prohibits the use of genetic testing for indications of a predisposition to illnesses that appear only later in life, such as breast cancer or diseases of the nervous system."
The Sherpa Says: With guys like Scooter out there, it makes a lot of sense to follow Germany's line. These days we seem to be pro-regulation anyways......... I think I hear Agent Smith at the door now.....
8 comments:
http://venturebeat.com/2009/05/04/23andme-brings-in-11m-even-as-mdv-defects/ - in case you missed this one - "23andMe, the company that deciphers consumers’ genomes for them, has raised $11 million of an anticipated $24.26 million second round of capital."
Maybe this money will help them change course...
Hello Dr. Murphy
"In addition it prohibits the use of genetic testing for indications of a predisposition to illnesses that appear only later in life, such as breast cancer or diseases of the nervous system"
I don't understand this. Why prohibit this? People with a higher predisposition could start screening earlier or get it more frequently for example. Could you help me understand more this point? Thanks!
I provided the original text and translation of key paragraphs here.
The justification for all of this: treat citizens as stupid and to ensure income to Physicians!
The punishment for submitting your own DNA to learn about your medical future: 1 year in prison!
Hi
I agree with Alberto, I don't quite understand why prohibiting genetic testing for predisposition...in some cases it could prove very useful
thanks a lot
This is an extreme step towards paternalism. However, I can understand the rational in a country where the government pays nearly exclusively for your healthcare.
You may discover something which may cost them more money, but may ultimately prove to not help extend your productivity as a unit that supports the country.
You see, ultimately that is the goal of national healthcare. Everyone is an employee of the state in one way or another....mainly by taxes.
So if you become more expensive to them, they make laws prohibiting your extravagance.
Hence, why the United States has been so great in the last century. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness....
But with regulations coming further here. I have no doubt that we may see a similar thing.
Until something is proven to be effective, it is likely to be regulated against.....or in some cases outlawed if it is assumed that the government will end up spending on some follish thing you do......Think Cigarette tax, alcohol tax, and in NYC trans fat or sugary drink tax....
-Steve
DNA Direct has partnered with the Genomic Medicine Institute which is part of the El Camino Hospital system in Monterey California.
Is this their way of dealing with the "precription by a physician" expectation for tests ordered for a patient that indirectly leads to diagnosis and treatment? In other words, now some consumers will be referred to them by treating physicians. Is this how they will stay in compliance with the laws?
It's amazing, really, that one can order a genetic test online by answering a questionnaire and paying with a credit card. DNA Direct currently sells DNA tests directly to consumers. I nearly ordered the stool DNA one online just a minute ago to see how it works. No physician referral needed!
DNA Direct has partnered with the Genomic Medicine Institute which is part of the El Camino Hospital system in Monterey California.
Is this their way of dealing with the "precription by a physician" expectation for tests ordered for a patient that indirectly leads to diagnosis and treatment? In other words, now some consumers will be referred to them by treating physicians. Is this how they will stay in compliance with the laws?
It's amazing, really, that one can order a genetic test online by answering a questionnaire and paying with a credit card. DNA Direct currently sells DNA tests directly to consumers. I nearly ordered the stool DNA one online just a minute ago to see how it works. No physician referral needed!
The way the american market is headed is one in which these online brokers are going to be regulated and forced to partner with physicians. Just give it till August when the Healthcare reform intitiatives start coming in....
-Steve
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