Ministry of Health and Welfare Expands DTC Genetic Testable Items from 101 to 129

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 13th that it will expand the number of testable items through the direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing certification system from the existing 101 to 129.

The DTC genetic testing certification system is a program that evaluates the testing capabilities of genetic testing institutions and grants certification, which was implemented last year. Certified testing institutions must obtain a change certification to add new test items.

The number of DTC genetic test items has been steadily increasing since the certification system began in December last year, rising from 70 items. However, compared to overseas companies in countries such as the United States and Japan, which can test 300 to 400 items, there are still relatively fewer testable items.

The newly added wellness-related items include lactose intolerance, sodium excretion, lung capacity, blood pressure response to sodium, stretch marks, bowel movement frequency, unsaturated fatty acid concentration, alcohol and nicotine interdependence, and excessive sweating.

Sung Jae-kyung, Director of the Bioethics Policy Division at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, “Testing institutions are actively discovering new items, with an average of 20 to 30 items added each quarter,” and added, “We will work to firmly establish the DTC certification system so that DTC genetic testing can have a positive impact on the health of the public.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.