Recreational genetics: direct-to-consumer genetic tests in Portugal

• Autor(a) principal: Marchesini Stival, Sephora Luyza
• Data de Publicação: 2020
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário (Online)
• Texto Completo: https://www.cadernos.prodisa.fiocruz.br/index.php/cadernos/article/view/655
• topic: Pruebas genéticas; Medicina de precisión; ADN; Genetic testing; Precision medicine; DNA; Testes genéticos; Medicina de precisão; DNA

Objective: to reflect on the use of direct-to-consumer genetic tests, especially in Portugal, which can be purchased online despite being prohibited by local legislation. Methods: a deductive method was used based on the analysis of the scientific literature in specialized journals and (inter) national legislation, with greater attention to developments in the United States, as it is the country with the largest number of companies and laboratories that commercialize direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Results: despite being prohibited by Portuguese law, anyone can buy a DNA kit online, especially from American websites, where genetic testing at affordable prices are available. Anyone can send a self-collected oral smear sample by mail, and after a brief registration on the company's website, they will receive notifications with information regarding their genetic makeup. In other countries, research on direct-to-consumer genetic testing is already exhaustive, finding several deficiencies in its practice, especially regarding informed consent and the reliability of the results, since many studies demonstrate the disparity of results for the same sample when submitted to different laboratories. In Portugal, the topic is still quite scarce, and although easily accessible, these tests are prohibited. Conclusion: it is essential to reflect on recreative genetic tests and the implications they have, not only in the life of those who undergo the test, but also of those who share the genetic material, especially in situations of direct-to-consumer genetic tests in which there is no prior counseling.