Beware of genetic technology claims

China Daily | Updated: 2017-09-04 07:44

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A scientist conducts tests for 1GENE, a genetic testing company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Xinhua]

"SEND US 2 ML SALIVA of your child and we will analyze his/her potential via DNA tests." That's a common sentence in the advertisements of many genetic testing companies, which have been doing brisk business of late. But people should be wary of such ads, says Workers' Daily:

Genetic technology is playing quite a positive role in the medical industry. Thanks to the technology, a pregnant woman can undergo embryo screening to find out what diseases her child might suffer from. This in turn could allow pharmaceutical companies to conduct research and make drugs that can be more accurately targeted at specific diseases.

But genetic technology is no fortuneteller－it cannot be used to test an embryo and forecast what sort of a person it will become as an adult or whether as an adolescent it will indulge in puppy love, as some companies claim.

The lack of national standards for genetic technology has prompted certain companies to exaggerate the technology's "powers" and thus violate consumers' rights. In February 2014, some government departments prohibited some companies from providing genetic testing services. But they have revived again because of the lack of regulation.

As early as 2003, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics asserted that only certain health agencies could provide genetic testing services. And Germany regulated its market through legislation in 2009. So it's time the Chinese lawmakers and government agencies introduced proper standards for the genetic testing industry.

Only proper regulations can protect consumers' rights and ensure that those companies exaggerating their achievements are held accountable. This is the only way to regulate the market and make sure genetic technology better serves the people.