Originally presented as the Molecular Pathology Division and Nutrition Division Symposium on July 18, 2009 at the AACC Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. 

The Program

Do you know your personal genetic propensity toward developing specific diseases/conditions? Internet-based direct-to-consumer DNA testing that promises a wealth of genetic information (can now be purchased for less than $1,000) are now widely marketed to the average consumer as tools of “empowering personal choices about your health and well-being”.

Symposium Co-Chairs
Molecular Pathology Division: KT Jerry Yeo, PhD
Professor, University of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Nutrition Division: Edgard Delvin, PhD
Professor & Chief of the Department of Clinical Biochemistry
CHU Ste-Justine, Montreal, Canada

From Intervention to Prevention: Genetic Testing as a Cornerstone for Improving Future Healthcare Webcast

Jeff Gulcher, MD, PhD
CEO, deCODE Genetics
Reykjavik , Iceland

Click here for a transcript of this webcast.

Direct-to-Consumer DNA Testing for Personalized Genomics: A Skeptic's View Webcast

Wayne W. Grody, MD, PhD
Professor, Divisions of Medical Genetics & Molecular Pathology
UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

Click here for a transcript of this webcast.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this program, participants should be able to:

• Discuss some of the current companies offering direct to consumer DNA testing, the kinds of tests they offer, and the potential problems involved with offering these tests to patients
• Discuss the applications of molecular genetic testing
• List stakeholders involved in direct to consumer marketing of DNA tests
• Explain how CLIA and the FDA are involved (or not involved) in regulation of these tests
• Define GWAS and recreational genetic testing

Target Audience

Physicians, laboratory directors, residents/fellows, and clinicians interested in learning more about personalized genomics and direct to consumer marketing of DNA tests.

Content level: Basic and Intermediate

System Requirements

The presentations are best viewed with these system requirements:

• Computer: 500MHz with 128MB RAM
• Operating Systems: Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista or MAC OSX
• Players & Plugins:Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher
• Browsers: View Adobe's web browser requirements
• Audio: Functioning sound card with attached speakers installed

Sponsors and Supporters

Co-sponsored by the AACC Molecular Pathology and Nutrition Divisions.