Rapid developments in genetic testing have paved the way for companies to offer at-home kits, and Color's new Hereditary Heart Health Test is one of the latest products to move beyond pure genealogy and into people's current health and potential risks for the future. The doctor-ordered test assays the presence of several different genes that have been found to factor into hereditary heart problems like cardiac arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, and arteriopathy.
23andMe, another public genetic testing company, recently made news for releasing an at-home, OTC test for risk of breast cancer, but the Hereditary Heart Health Test differs in crucial aspects. For one, even though patients carry out Color's test on their own while at home, it needs to be ordered by a doctor. The idea is that patients and doctors will work together to come up with early action plans should the test reveal various genetic predispositions.
What's Driving This Trend
- At-home Genetic Testing
- Opportunity for companies to offer at-home genetic testing kits for various health concerns.
- Hereditary Heart Health
- Potential for genetic testing to assess individuals' risk of hereditary heart problems and create early action plans.
- Collaborative Patient-doctor Approach
- A shift towards patients and doctors working together to interpret genetic test results and develop personalized health plans.
Who This Affects Most
- Genetic Testing
- Genetic testing companies can expand their offerings to include at-home tests for heart health risks.
- Healthcare
- Healthcare providers and doctors can leverage genetic testing to identify and manage hereditary heart conditions proactively.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pharmaceutical companies can develop targeted therapies based on genetic test results for hereditary heart problems.
