You probably think you know yourself pretty well, right? Of course. You’re a (circle all that apply) super cool/ witty/ charming/ good-looking/ intelligent person, and humble about it too, but what does your DNA say about you? DNA is an incredibly complex storage structure for information about us – genetic information about how we develop and function, who we physiologically are and have the potential to become. So much of that information is a mystery to us, but what if it wasn’t? What if you knew all of the traits you carry and where they came from, how your body would respond to any medication, and what health conditions you are predisposed to encounter? It would be incredibly useful (not to mention extremely interesting) to discover all of this about yourself, although I have a feeling that a large percentage of the population would turn hypochondriac.

Believe it or not, this isn’t the stuff of dreams and futuristic movies. Google-backed 23andMe is a DNA-analysis company, whose website claims to report on over 240 health conditions and traits, help you discover your lineage, and give you updates on your DNA as new scientific advancements are made. Customers order a DNA “spit kit” through which they provide a saliva sample to the company for analysis. Then, 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service (PGS) provides personalized health recommendations based on the results.

But before you put a spit kit on your holiday wish list, you should know that they are currently unavailable. Last Friday, the FDA issued 23andMe a warning letter ordering them to immediately discontinue marketing this service due to concerns about the serious health risks that could come from a false positive or negative. The FDA is requiring assurance of clinical validation of the product’s intended uses in order to demonstrate accuracy before allowing the company to continue marketing the spit kit and PGS.

Although the product is not currently on the market, if it becomes available again after clinical validation, would you order a spit kit and request personalized health information? What do you think of the technology?

-KB

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