Genetic tests for which the results are likely to have a big impact on the person being tested should be provided to the public only within the framework of a consultation with a medical practitioner, recommend draft principles for direct to consumer genetic tests.

The number of genetic tests available on the open market has increased in the past few years and will continue to grow as the technology develops. The Human Genetics Commission, the UK government’s advisory body on developments in human genetics, set up a working group with expertise in regulation, clinical, and molecular genetics and genetic counselling. The group includes representatives from the genetic testing industry and will develop a framework of “high level principles” to promote consistency in the provision of direct to …