Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2026_349323
Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing in the Republic of Croatia
Leonarda Rambousek
; University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia, Clinic for Internal Medicine
Nenad Hrvatin
; University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Croatia
Tea Mladenić
; University of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Medical Biology and Genetics; Universty of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Genetic Education
Saša Ostojić
; University of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Medical Biology and Genetics; Universty of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Genetic Education
Sanja Dević Pavlić
; University of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Medical Biology and Genetics; Universty of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Genetic Education
*
Nina Pereza
; University of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Department for Medical Biology and Genetics; Universty of Rijeka, Croatia, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Genetic Education
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aim: In recent years, the use of genetic testing is becoming an integral part of various medical specialties. Considering the ethical, legal and social implications of genetic testing, this type of medical testing is offered as a part of genetic counselling, i.e. within the healthcare system and under the supervision of clinical geneticists. However, given the growing demands, the emergence of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, offered outside the healthcare system, is not surprising. The aim of this study was to investigate the current state of DTC genetic testing offered via internet sites in the Republic of Croatia, and to provide an overview of their advertising methods and the extent to which genetic counselling is included in the services offered. Materials and methods: The research was conducted using the Google search engine from November 10 to 13, 2023, examining the number of DTC providers, the types of genetic tests offered, the availability of genetic counselling within the services, and the methods of advertising. Results: In the Republic of Croatia there are as much as 89 providers, offering mostly screening tests and tests without indications, of which only 7.9% offer genetic counselling. The majority of the advertising emphasizes the positive aspects of the tests, minimising their risks. Conclusion: In conclusion, although DTC genetic testing increases individual autonomy, the clinical validity and utility of the tests, as well as advertising and genetic counselling, could be more tightly regulated.
Keywords
direct-to-consumer testing; DNA testing; genetic counselling, genetic testing; pharmacogenomics; prenatal tests
Hrčak ID:
349323
URI
Publication date:
1.9.2026.
Visits: 0 *