The FDA has stepped in and temporarily stopped Walgreens from selling a genetic test made by a company called Pathways. Their concern is that this item is a medical device and therefore under their jurisdiction. I just can't believe we are in an era where someone can basically spit into a cup and find answers to whether they have a "a propensity for developing medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and obesity; the likelihood of parenting a baby with cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs and other genetic disorders; and the possible reaction to caffeine, cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners and other medications". Wow. Of course, most of this information is overdoing it and will cost a lot. I don't know the price of the test but the cost of further testing, which may or may turn out to be false, will again overburden our bankrupt healthcare system. But by all means, let's open this genetic Pandora's Box. You know, as a doctor I could make the same kind of miraculous predictions. Since most Americans are overweight or obese and don't exercise, I can play the great Karnak and predict whether they are going to get diabetes, heart disease, back pain and/or depression. But alas, no one wants to hear what we say. Besides, genetic testing from a local pharmacy sounds so much more fun.
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