Are the genetic testing services on the market mainly for testing paternity?

There is a wide range of genetic testing services and products on the market, which can be categorised into two main types, health-related and non-health related.

 

Health-related genetic tests include:

  • Diagnostic tests for heritable diseases (e.g. Cystic Fibrosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, etc.)
  • Genetic susceptibility or predisposition testing for common and complex diseases (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, etc.)
  • Carrier testing for genetic diseases inherited through X-linked recessive (e.g. Haemophilia) and autosomal recessive manner (e.g. Thalassaemia)
  • Pharmacogenomic testing for guiding choice of medications and dosage

 

Non-health related genetic tests include:

  • Ancestry
  • Talents
  • Athletic performance
  • Fun traits (e.g. eye colour)
  • Nutritional needs