Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests are usually purchased and have results provided over the internet, without the involvement of your doctor or a healthcare provider. There can be limitations and risks with this type of testing, and it is important to have all of the information you need before deciding on any test. You may wish to consider:

    • Will this test answer my questions? Will it tell me something I don’t want to know?
    • Will this test have implications for my insurance? (See FAQ: What will testing mean for my insurance?)
    • Will my results be private? Who will have access to my genetic information?

You may want to find out more from:

Lab Tests Online Australasia “Online DNA tests”

The National Health and Medical Research Council “Understanding Direct-to-Consumer Genetic DNA Testing”

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (Fact Sheet 9) “What should I know about Direct-to-Consumer genetic testing?”