Genetic testing kits are coming to a Walgreens near you.
San Diego-based Pathway Genomics announced today that its personal genetic-testing kits will be on the shelves of nearly 7,500 Walgreens later this month, including in most Northeast Ohio stores.
Insight's Saliva Collection Kit, which will cost between $20 and $30, will include a small collection kit, instructions and a postage-paid envelope to send the sample back to the company's labs. The analysis of the genetic sample will cost an additional $79 to $249, depending on which tests -- the Report for Drug Response, Pre-Pregnancy Planning, Health Conditions, or a combination of all three -- you order.
The field of genetic testing has expanded in recent years, with more companies making it easier for people to order genetic test kits by phone or online to find out their risk of a disease or condition in a matter of weeks. The Pathway test is the first to be sold in retail stores.
Pathway does not currently offer genetic testing for the mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that cause some breast and ovarian cancers but plans to offer it in the future.
"Our intent is to help educate the public," said Jim Woodman, Pathway's vice president of corporate strategy. "We know this is the cornerstone of personalized medicine. We want to engage the public with this kind of awareness and hope to motivate people to change their behavior and lifestyle based on the knowledge we're giving them."
The American College of Medical Genetics and the American Medical Association in the past have urged consumers seeking genetic testing to visit a qualified health care professional.
Genetic counseling is available, said David Becker, Pathway's chief science officer.
"All of our customers have the ability to speak with a counselor and ask questions," Becker said. That service is offered at no extra charge.