Expansion of DTC Genetic Testable Items from 101 to 129

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has expanded the number of items available for direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing from 101 to 129. Newly added items include the frequency of mosquito bites and the degree of itching, lactose intolerance, sodium excretion, stretch marks, hair color, and freckles. DTC genetic testing is a service that allows consumers to send saliva samples directly to analysis companies without going through medical institutions to obtain their genetic information.

Since implementing the DTC certification system in July last year, the Ministry has allowed certified genetic analysis companies, whose testing capabilities have been verified, to apply for and receive approval for new test items related to wellness, enabling them to conduct DTC tests on additional items. Currently, six genetic analysis companies?LabGenomics, Macrogen, NgenBio, Genoplan Korea, Geninus, and Theragen Health?have received DTC certification from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The number of DTC genetic test items has gradually increased since the certification system began: 70 items in December last year → 81 items in April this year → 101 items in June → 129 items this month. However, compared to overseas companies in countries like the United States and Japan, which can test for 300 to 400 items, the number of items remains limited. DTC testing for specific diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and dementia is strictly restricted. As cases of domestic consumers requesting tests from overseas genetic analysis companies increase, there are concerns that domestic companies are being unfairly disadvantaged.

Sung Jae-kyung, Director of the Bioethics Policy Division at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, "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.