So You Want To Map Your Genome

Each of us has some genetic mutations that could place us at risk for disease, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute. Although often genetic markers merely show predisposition and cannot predict when or if an individual might be diagnosed, the government-financed human genome project, completed in 2006, gave rise to apprehension that DNA testing could lead to employment or health insurance bias. But despite "widespread concern about genetic discrimination," the New England Journal of Medicine reported, "there are few examples of it, and no evidence that it is common." Nevertheless, in the last week, both the Senate and House passed, nearly unanimously, bills prohibiting the practice.

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In the last couple of years costly human genome mapping has become big business (see below and the following two pages) and the new legislation will no doubt increase demand. For example, Laboratory Corporation of America "at the forefront of research and development of DNA testing," is currently conducting genetic tests for the Texas investigation of polygamous FLDS members. For individuals, LabCorp charges $210 per person ("when mother, child and alleged father are tested") to resolve basic paternity issues (below). LabCorp also offers parentage analysis for family members of naturalized citizens to satisfy U.S. immigration eligibility requirements. Company revenues are up 10 percent in the first quarter of 2008.

Over at Navagenics, a 2007 start-up, investors are proud of the company's "health compass" which allows "members" (first year subscription: $2500; see Page 2) to obtain their personal "genetic risk profile" regarding 17 health conditions, including psoriasis and restless leg syndrome. The less-pricey 23andMe offers a tour of "more than 580,000 locations" in your personal genome for $1000 (Page 3). (Still too steep? You can win a free "Personal Genome Service™" from 23andMe by entering this contest).

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