Professional Guidelines

As a leader in consumer genetics, DNA Direct has sought to establish the highest standards for providing clinical and consumer genetics services to individuals and their families. Since the launch of our services in 2004, we have worked collaboratively with professional associations, government oversight committees and watchdog groups to set these standards.

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) recommends that people considering genetic testing ask five questions:

  1. Am I ordering the correct test?
  2. How valid are the test results for me?
  3. What decisions might I need or want to make once I know the test results?
  4. What are the credentials of the person who will give me the test results?
  5. Once I have the test results, what are my next steps?

DNA Direct employs board-certified medical genetics experts to provide web-enabled tools, information and phone genetic counseling to help people answer these questions.

In addition, the NSGC (December 2007) and the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) (April 2008) issued guidelines for "direct-to-consumer" genetic testing companies and services. The table below summarizes these guidelines and highlights how DNA Direct believes our services meet and exceed these recommendations.

National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Guidelines DNA Direct Services
Consumer-friendly materials are available, developed or reviewed by healthcare professionals with expertise in genetics. They are suitable for people seeking and receiving direct-to-consumer testing services.
Information about the purpose of the test, potential limitations, validity and accuracy, is provided and written in consumer-friendly language.
Test results are presented in a way that is understandable to the average person, with a clear explanation of any clinical implications and resources for appropriate follow-up.
Patients are encouraged to share their medically relevant genetic test results with their healthcare providers and family members who may also be at risk.
Consumers are provided with referrals to healthcare professionals with expertise in genetics, either on staff or independent of the commercial entity, both before and after testing, to assure appropriate medical follow up, including psychological counseling.
The company obtains informed consent for testing, consistent with accepted medical practices and state and local regulations.
Safeguards to protect consumer/patient privacy.
Company policies follow the testing guidelines and position statements of professional organizations (such as the American College of Medical Genetics). These may include guidelines for genetic testing of minors or other potentially vulnerable populations.
Tests are performed by credentialed laboratories (e.g. CLIA certified).
American College of Medical Genetics DNA Direct Services
A knowledgeable professional should be involved in the process of ordering and interpreting a genetic test.
The consumer should be fully informed about what the test can and cannot say about his or her health.
The scientific evidence on which a test is based should be clearly stated.
The clinical testing laboratory must be accredited by CLIA, the State and/or other applicable accrediting agencies.
Privacy concerns must be addressed.

For more about DNA Direct's company standards and our recommended consumer guidelines, see Our Standards.

Sources: NSGC Direct-to-Consumer Guidelines ; ACMG Statement on Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing