Zogu, Sarah
(2024)
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing and the Legalities, Ethical, and Current Issues.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
Consumer-driven genetic testing is a newly developed technology that allows consumers to purchase tests online through companies such as Ancestry, 23andMe, etc.; and have results sent to them without the consultation of any clinician. This is growing to be a public health issue with the increased drive and marketing tactics that are used by these companies having led to an increase in consumers purchasing these tests. The willingness of consumers to purchase these tests without the knowledge of what happens to their genetic information can lead to both privacy and data violations. After the results of the tests, there could be increased stress and anxiety, healthcare burdens, and complications that can happen due to individuals seeking out unnecessary appointments and treatments. This then leads to multiple ethical concerns including a risk for false positive or false negative results based on the type of testing and interpretation used. Additionally, privacy and data violations may occur that can affect an individual’s genetic information. Unfortunately, this could then lead to individuals having and creating distrust of the science community and can lead further away from the belief of what science can do for the improvement and benefit of health and precision medicine. This paper reviews the current legal and ethical issues with DTC genetic testing and proposes policy solutions to address these current challenges.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Member | Hughes, Meredith Leigh | MLH203@pitt.edu | MLH203 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Durst, Andrea L. | adurst@pitt.edu | adurst | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
13 May 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Number of Pages: |
38 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Health Policy & Management |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Date Deposited: |
13 May 2024 18:27 |
| Last Modified: |
13 May 2024 18:27 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46315 |
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