Direct-to-consumer pharmacogenomic testing is associated with increased physician utilisation

The impact of direct-to-consumer (DTC) pharmacogenomic testing on consumer behavior has not been previously studied.  A large sample of adults purchased a DTC pharmacogenomic test and completed baseline and follow-up health behavior assessments.  The pharmacogenomic test included testing for drug effectiveness or risk of side effects for 12 medications.  At follow-up the 481 individuals who had received their pharmacogenomic results were compared to 844 individuals still awaiting results.  Individuals who had received results showed increased physician utilization relative to those awaiting results.  Receipt of test results was not associated with any adverse changes in psychological health. (By Cinnamon S. Bloss, Ph.D., http://jmg.bmj.com/content/early/2013/12/16/jmedgenet-2013-101909 )