• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

DNA Direct Leverages Internet to Offer Personalized Genetic Tests to Help Consumers Make More Informed Healthcare Choices

Posted on: Thursday, 24 February 2005, 09:00 CST

DNA Direct's Confidential Genetic Testing Offers Consumers Unparalleled Access and Insight with Personalized Reports and Genetic Expert Support

The Internet has become a valued resource for consumers seeking healthcare information. Today, DNA Direct is helping people go one step further by providing individuals with unparalleled access to confidential genetic testing, insight into their personal genetic make-up, expert genetic support and links to resources that can help them lead longer, healthier lives.

As a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, DNA Direct offers consumers an unprecedented array of genetic tests -- including tests for cancer, infertility, blood clots and chronic lung/liver disease -- and pairs each test result with a comprehensive, personalized interpretation. The result is a highly confidential means for people to take a more active role in their health and well-being.

"Genetic testing can help us understand who we are and empowers an individual to make informed decisions about heath management," says Katherine Rauen, M.D., Ph.D., DNA Direct's Medical Director. "With just over 2,000 genetic counselors nationwide and even fewer medical geneticists, most people don't have access to genetic testing. DNA Direct is bridging this gap to provide people with a resource to better understand, evaluate and, if they choose, work with their physicians to better manage their health and healthcare decisions."

"DNA Direct provides access to those genetic tests where knowing about your genes can make a big difference, such as when planning a family, selecting a form of birth control or starting hormone replacement therapy," said Ryan Phelan, Founder and CEO, DNA Direct. "It's important to keep in mind that genes are not the sole factor in determining an individual's destiny -- family history, lifestyle and environment all play an integral part."

What's in a gene? Plenty. The results of a genetic test can help confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine an individual's risk of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.

-- Thirteen percent of all women develop breast cancer. However, if a woman has certain mutations in either of the two genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, her risk of developing it can be as high as 85 percent. Early detection can help people with these genetic changes make informed lifestyle, medical management and treatment decisions. It also helps identify other family members, including males, who may also be at increased risk and who could pass on the genetic change to their children. A test result signifying no genetic risk can also bring peace-of-mind to those with a known family mutation. (DNA Direct Test: Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer; pricing starts at $550).

-- Studies estimate that 60,000 to 200,000 people die each year from blood clots. At the high end, this disease kills more people than breast cancer, car accidents and AIDS combined. And 1 in 20 Americans carry a gene, factor V Leiden, which can increase the risk for dangerous blood clots when combined with medical treatments (hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills) or other factors (obesity, smoking, long-haul plane flights). When you know you have genetic propensity for blood clots, you can take action to minimize your risk. (DNA Direct Test: Thrombophilia; cost: $380).

-- About 35 million people in the U.S. -- as many as 1 in 4 people of Irish descent, and 1 in 10 Caucasians -- are at risk for a hereditary iron overload disorder that causes a wide variety of symptoms, including chronic fatigue, weakness, joint pain and arthritis. If undetected, iron overload can lead to serious problems, including diabetes, liver and heart disease. But with early detection, effective treatment can stop the progression and even reverse some of the symptoms. (DNA Direct Test: Hemochromatosis; cost: $199).

-- About 116 million people worldwide -- and up to 1 in 10 Americans -- are Alpha-1 carriers. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is one of the most common genetic disorders worldwide. It is often misdiagnosed, most often as asthma. Early diagnosis can help people at risk take steps to prevent lung and liver disease. A simple genetic test is available for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. (DNA Direct Test: Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency; cost: $330).

DNA Direct currently offers the following genetic tests: -0- *T -- Cancer -- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2, available March 15, 2005) -- Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (FAP and HNPCC; available spring 2005) -- Chronic Lung/Liver Disease (Alpha1-Antitrypsin) -- Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR) -- Hereditary Iron Overload (Hemochromatosis, HFE) -- Inherited Blood Clotting Disorders (Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin) -- Infertility Panel - Male and Female (Fragile X, Cystic Fibrosis, Inherited Blood Clotting Disorders, Hereditary Hemochromatosis, Chromosome Analysis, Y Chromosome Deletion) *T

All prices include a Personalized Report that interprets results and offers personalized suggestions for lowering risk, and making well-informed decisions about healthcare and family planning. Each report also includes information about putting together a healthcare team, and how to approach sharing information with family members and your physician. Test prices start at $199.

Due to confidentiality considerations, DNA Direct does not process insurance claims but does provide information should people choose to submit an insurance claim on their own.

About DNA Direct

San Francisco-based DNA Direct is a personalized genetic testing company focused on consumer education, empowerment and support. With a promise of providing "Your Genes in Context," DNA Direct's mission is to empower individuals with insight into their genetic make-up, including risk factors, preventive measures and action-oriented information to reduce personal risk, coupled with one-on-one support from DNA Direct's genetic experts. All of DNA Direct's services are completely confidential. For more information, go to www.dnadirect.com or call 877.646.0222.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category