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Companies such as San Francisco-based DNA Direct and HealthCheckUSA in San
Antonio sell tests online at prices ranging from a few hundred to several
thousand dollars. The tests, available without prescription, look for genetic
markers and mutations in saliva or blood samples that are linked to a range of
conditions -- from hemochromatosis, which is an iron overload that can lead to
organ failure, to Celiac disease, a digestive illness triggered by gluten, a
wheat protein.


Even if results are accurate, the data can be hard to interpret. Take Celiac
disease. A person who lacks two genetic markers for the condition isn't
likely  to have the disease, so a negative result on a genetic test helps rule it
out,  most doctors agree. A test result showing a patient has just one of the
markers  wouldn't necessarily mean the person had the illness, or was likely to
get it. A  person who misunderstood the result could decide to make
significant changes in  diet and lifestyle without really needing to.
In addition, patients must contend with whether to share what they have
learned with family members, who may not want the anxiety of knowing they could
be at risk for a disease. Because of such complexities, "there should be a
physician between most genetic testing and the patient, at least at this point
in time," said Michael Watson, executive director of the American....to read
the  full article:
_http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/5430744.html_
(http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/5430744.html)
Rosalie (NJ)

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