23andMe's Spit Kit: The Gift that Keeps on Giving All Year 'Round?
Posted by Jillian Theil December 15, 2010
Biopolitical Times
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing company 23andMe recently announced [subscription required] a new pricing model, just in time for holiday shopping. The plan includes a mandatory one-year contract with an additional charge of $5 per month. After the first year, customers may sign up on a month-to-month basis and cancel their contract at any time. A 23andMe spokeswoman cited the fast-moving state of scientific research and the consequent need to update its tests and customers’ results as the rationale for the new fee structure.
But wait! There’s more! Accompanying this news was the announcement that 23andMe will be offering its $499 kit for just $99 this holiday season. That is a savings of over 80%, better than most Black Friday deals. So, is 23andMe’s new service as good as a “Jelly of the Month Club” subscription -- the ultimate gift that keeps on giving? Maybe not. In fact, it may be the gift that keeps on taking all year ‘round.
Why? Well, there are many unknowns regarding genetic information, what it means, and its impact on individual privacy and society at large. As Dr. James Evans of the University of North Carolina points out, “We don’t really know how to interpret this kind of information.” The Government Accountability Office and the Nuffield Council have also issued reports (1, 2) cautioning about the unreliability of some tests, and the limitations of using DTC genetic tests without a professional.
That said, individuals need to be aware of the risks and restrictions associated with DTC genetic tests, especially before purchasing a spit kit for loved ones this holiday season.
Previously on Biopolitical Times:
But wait! There’s more! Accompanying this news was the announcement that 23andMe will be offering its $499 kit for just $99 this holiday season. That is a savings of over 80%, better than most Black Friday deals. So, is 23andMe’s new service as good as a “Jelly of the Month Club” subscription -- the ultimate gift that keeps on giving? Maybe not. In fact, it may be the gift that keeps on taking all year ‘round.
Why? Well, there are many unknowns regarding genetic information, what it means, and its impact on individual privacy and society at large. As Dr. James Evans of the University of North Carolina points out, “We don’t really know how to interpret this kind of information.” The Government Accountability Office and the Nuffield Council have also issued reports (1, 2) cautioning about the unreliability of some tests, and the limitations of using DTC genetic tests without a professional.
That said, individuals need to be aware of the risks and restrictions associated with DTC genetic tests, especially before purchasing a spit kit for loved ones this holiday season.
Previously on Biopolitical Times: