HAPPY TO SHARE YOUR GENES? THEN DNA TESTS MAY BE FREE ON THE NHS

THE National Health Service may offer paid-for DNA tests for free in the future if patients are then willing to share their data.

It follows completion of the Genomes Project late last year that took the genetic code of thousands of patients. The objective was to make it easier to find if someone seeking medical treatment is genetically more likely to be affected by cancer or conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Those deemed susceptible can be advised to make lifestyle changes – for example to their diet and exercise routine.

The scheme could be launched next year but critics warn that those on the database may find the information used in ways they did not intend or for which they did not give permission.

Under section 63A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, the police have the power to take DNA samples. They can be kept indefinitely for people convicted of a crime.

This has led to the creation of a National Criminal Intelligence DNA Database holding DNA samples of more than 3.5 million people.

Although of great benefit for solving crimes, it can be open to abuse – as DNA evidence has potential to be tampered with. Under paid-for tests from firms such as 23andMe, the signing of an ‘informed consent research’ form means your DNA details may be sold on to medical companies – but not to any police database.

But DNA test websites could still be a target for hackers.