Comment · Thu, March 19, 2015 · Ceretropic
Any concern about revealing personal info to genetic testing services?
Original post in this thread
Maxwell_V · 17 points
This came to mind when reading a couple threads about 23andme recently. Correlation of genetic profile with personal identity seems like a legitimate cause for some paranoia, but perhaps there are safeguards in place (?) Does everyone give accurate personal info when submitting those tests? Not doing so would presumably violate some terms or guidelines, but I'm not sure what the consequences would be.
What they were answering
Maxwell_V · 1 points
I happily let them take my genetic data, so that some day it
might help someone going through the issues that I am.
What if we could find a common genetic trait to everyone that
has the same mast cell disorder I have?
That's truly a good cause, but maybe I'm not following the nature of the opt in/out. What is encompassed? If it's the ability to use the data that they are harvesting, then I have to wonder what good that will do for 23.
Also, they shouldn't really need personal ID in order to make use of their genetic data. You'd think that a general profile would serve the purpose, if that's even needed. Perhaps they need a third check-box.
PS: Not sure what you mean by mast cell disorder, but I hope that's not too serious.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
Since the beginning, 23andMe has had a checkbox when you sign up. It asked whether or not you will consent to them storing your sample, and anonymously using your data for further testing and research down the road. If you uncheck it, it does not change the price, nor does it alter the information they give you. They do not care what your name is, or if it is real. They are getting a cross section of people's genetic data, and using that to try and learn things about the population in general. The good it will do for 23andMe is that they can make money of that genetic data, to subsidize the low cost of testing, or further the process. Google likes to gather information, and monetize that data. That's why they are involved now.
My mast cells release histamine for no reason. So I have dermatographism. However, that is not the only thing affected. Eyen my airway will close from too much histamine, so it's not just my skin. I have to take 40mg Cetirizine a day to keep things at bay. Taking a leukotriene receptor antagonist, like montelukast, keeps my airway from closing. So it's not a big deal, as long as I take my meds.