AccessDNA: Know Your Genetics January 10, 2009
Posted by Dr. Bertalan Meskó in DNA, Genetic screening, Genetic testing, genetics, Genome, Web 2.0.Tags: Genetic testing, genetics, Genome
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I’ve recently discovered AccessDNA on Twitter and I thought I should give it a try. On the main page, it says I should create my personalized report. Well, let’s do so.
It asked me about the medical conditions that occurred in my family; environmental factors I have to face; tests I would be interested in, etc. And then I received the personalized genetic report; actually a list of genetic tests that might be useful for me.
What can I do with that information? Yes, of course I want full genome scanning. But should this be my decision? Not the decision of my doctor? Just beacuse I reported to be of Caucasian descent, I should order genetic tests that cost several thousands of dollars?
You know what? I would love to hear the opinion of Steve Murphy here. And yours!
I think that the information helps me understand my options, and is not so much a direct way to get a test. I found the site interesting and informative but the amount of information they provided was almost overwhelming at times. Thanks for sharing this resource!
Well, at least they give this information on genetic consulation here: http://accessdna.com/info/condition.aspx?topic=392 with links. Their “disease database” in rather big and detailed also. What I think is that it would be best for any person to have an appointment before with a geneticist or genetic counselor, to avoid any type of misunderstanding and anxiety that reading that data might bring. It isn’t that easy to interpret “risk data”, not sure if everyone is prepared for this kind of “direct-to-consumer” service.
This is a big DNA database linked to demographics. Nothing that fancy. The information it provides is not nuanced and personalized, that is the problem with this site. Another problem is that it offers you newborn hearing connexin screening and Fragile X testing…..why even offer that to someone who it is not completely appropriate for?
Just plain foolish if you ask me…..
-Steve
http://www.thegenesherpa.blogspot.com
That site gives a lot of information about DNA, since it is the blueprint of life, we should learn more about our own DNA
http://www.promdinurses.com
I will be so glad if you will exchange link with me
I’m hoping you have all heard about The Consumer Genetics Show. Check out the link at consumergeneticsshow.com and feel free to contact me at mault@consumergeneticsshow.com
Thank you! I’m going to check it out now.
[...] should really be called “patient-centered genomic healthcare”. Meanwhile, Berci Mesko trialled a new web service called AccessDNA, which offers a list of targeted genetic screens based on your family history and environmental [...]
DNA This is very big subject.
I ended up checking out AccessDNA, even though I doubted they could say much about me because I am adopted. Surprisingly enough, they still were able to give me some tips. Unfortunately they were all leads to get actual genetic testing done, which isn’t really that helpful to me (who has that kind of money?), but I guess it was interesting to read. Every recommended test also seemed rather broad just because of me being Caucasian or (insert single criteria here). Interesting info, but nothing I’d really follow up on.
I, too tried AccessDNA to see what it was all about. Mainly just curiosity, not looking for true medical info -I leave that to my trusted Doctor. I was surprised at what I did NOT find, which was questions related to alcoholism. There was one question that had more to do with what I was interested in than my genetics. The site was a wee bit difficult to navigate, but once I got the hang of it, it was alright. No earth-shattering revelations, but they did suggest several tests which could be done. But again, it’s good info for me to take to my Doctor and have her decide what, if any, tests should be done.
Thanks for this useful post. Here is some additional information about the “genetics” of this condition that was written by our Genetic Counselor and other genetic professionals: http://www.accessdna.com/condition/Neuropathy_Ataxia_and_Retinitis_Pigmentosa/267. Thanks, AccessDNA
Thanks for this useful post. Here is some additional information about the “genetics” of this condition that was written by our Genetic Counselor and other genetic professionals: http://www.accessdna.com/condition/Prion_Disease/311. Thanks, AccessDNA
[...] than a year ago, I wrote about AccessDNA which now changed focus and became Inherited Health. Jordanna Joaquina, MS, CGC; Director of [...]