The Ethics of Direct-to-Consumer Testing

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) laboratory testing is a rapidly growing industry. However, the idea of consumers ordering their own laboratory tests has raised ethical concerns. Respect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice are core principles of biomedical ethics. Although DTC testing would seem to offer autonomy to consumers, autonomy is only maintained if certain criteria are met, including intentionality, understanding, and noncontrol. There is little published evidence to support either beneficence or maleficence of DTC testing. Finally, there are conflicting opinions about the justice of DTC testing and whether it increases or decreases health disparities.