Think Gene - Latest Comments in 23andMe

Re: 23andMe

Djarum Black — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:30:45 -0000

. My previously stated opinions have not changed (I’m a customer of 23andMe, and I like it). Further, I don’t have strong ethical ideas about consumer products. 23andMe is a nerdy toy —like a novelty x-ray— not medical advice, and as long as 23andMe continues to organize and present good scientific information, I’m happy.

Re: 23andMe

Steven Murphy MD — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:33:20 -0000

I would look for confirmation from 23andMe, before I believe that they ALWAYS destroyed the samples.....

-Steve

Re: 23andMe

Andrew Yates — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:17:38 -0000

I think that “actionable only” is the best option for most people, but it is best that there are genomic testing options for people who feel otherwise.

Re: 23andMe

Andrew Yates — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:56:04 -0000

I can't view this because it is claiming that I need a log in. I will find out about this.

Re: 23andMe

Anon — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:21:26 -0000

FAQ: "We will NOT report on genetic variants considered "NOT medically actionable." [...] participants will NOT be informed of these variants until a current effective treatment or intervention is available. For example, variants elevating risk for incurable diseases such as Alzheimer's disease."

I find this outrageous. Just because I can't treat it doesn't mean I can't act on it. I could choose to save more for future health care; or to take more vacation time now knowing that I might not have a healthy retirement; or to marry a woman without the gene to lessen the chances that my kids get it. etc.

Who are they to withhold *my* information? Worse of all, those who think like this criticize other services for providing this information to the public.

As more "detectable but not treatable" conditions get discovered, the problem will only get exacerbated.

Re: 23andMe

anonymous — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:40:58 -0000

That's what I thought about Coriell too, but I found this on their website. (http://www.coriell.org/inde...

"Since we are not physicians, we will not offer medical advice. We will educate you about possible next steps. An example of this would be to discuss with your doctor about modifying your diet or exercise routine to try to reduce your risk of actually developing the disease. Please consult with your physician for advice on what you can do to lower your disease risk."

So what exactly *is* "medical advice"?

Re: 23andMe

Andrew Yates — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:30:05 -0000

Yes, but Coriell is providing clearly defined "medical advice." That's different from general scientific information, and why I'm happy to see the two services exist side-by-side.

However, for the general public, I recommend "medical advice" over "scientific details." As of now, that service is not available, and I loathe to see non-medical advice labeled otherwise but clearly marketed as such in an effort to weasel out of the definition of "medical advice."

Re: 23andMe

anon — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:21:50 -0000

I'm curious, what is your opinion on Coriell's "paternalism"?

One thing I truly believe in is that people should have a right to their genetic information, and that most people can be trusted to understand the nuances if it's explained properly. Coriell prefers to restrict all information until they deem it actionable.