Start-ups are driving down the cost of genetic testing by building diagnostic labs from scratch to cut costs, using in-house software and robots with 3D-printers producing custom-made equipment. Color Genomics has launched a breast cancer testing programme, which enables women to be tested for $50 if they have a close relative already diagnosed with a hereditary cancer mutation and its broad genetic screening test is available to anyone for $249. For some of us, our DNA is a time bomb. Counsyl offers similar services priced between $350 and $900. The rise in direct-to-consumer genetics tests comes as more people opt out of traditional medical care because it costs too much.
Start-ups are driving down the cost of genetic testing by building diagnostic labs from scratch to cut costs, using in-house software and robots with 3D-printers producing custom-made equipment. Color Genomics has launched a breast cancer testing programme, which enables women to be tested for $50 if they have a close relative already diagnosed with a hereditary cancer mutation and its broad genetic screening test is available to anyone for $249. Counsyl offers similar services priced between $350 and $900. The rise in direct-to-consumer genetics tests comes as more people opt out of traditional medical care because it costs too much.