DTC genetic testing and consumer comprehension

Personal genetic tests first emerged in the consumer marketplace in 2006. Classified as Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) genetic testing, companies participating in this market enabled customers to buy tests online without doctor involvement. Customers of the DTC company 23andMe were invited to participate in an online survey to determine if the exclusion of medical professionals impacted customers' abilities to interpret and comprehend test results. DTC customers were asked to interpret the results of two mock test cases, where results were translated into disease probability for an individual compared to the public. When asked to evaluate the risk, only 23.8% of those surveyed were able to interpret both the cases correctly. Participants who took time to read the provided supplemental material were 3.93 times (p = .040) more likely to correctly interpret both test results than those who did not. The odds for correctly answering both cases were 3.289 times (p = .011) higher for those who made > $50k than those who made less. As the market for DTCs expands, correct interpretations will become more critical. Involving more health professionals may be needed to ensure high levels of comprehension.