‘Direct to consumer’ genetic tests – recent Australian research

Australian ELSI Genomics Network Seminar Series, September 12th 2024

Australian consumers take a lot of so-called ‘direct to consumer’ genetic tests, which are tests taken for a variety of purposes, typically without oversight from a health professional. There are many unanswered and ongoing questions arising from these tests, including how they are being used by people affected by donor conception, and how their uptake is impacting professions like genetic counselling. Speaker Dr Giselle Newton spoke about her extensive experience conducting research with people who have engaged with direct-to-consumer genetic testing to access information about family, while Dr Cushla McKinney explored how the genetic counselling profession has responded to direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Both talks were then discussed with attendees, with Q&A moderated by ELSI Network coordinator Professor Ainsley Newson.