What is it about? At the beginning of December, the new law on human genetic testing came into force. It brings the basics up to date. While medical tests can only be performed by professionals, genetic testing is booming on the internet. The authorities warn of this – of the possible results and that the sensitive data, the genetic material, could be used further.
Why is a new law needed? The previous law dates back to a time when genetic testing was expensive and took a long time. The technology is now so good that, in addition to genetic tests for medical reasons, there are also so-called fun genetic tests. It is also important to prevent misuse of this sensitive data and to protect privacy.
General federal information on genetic testing
What does the new law regulate? The “Act on Genetic Tests on Humans” regulates almost all genetic tests: there are paternity tests or a test to find relatives or ancestors. There are the medical tests – such as prenatal examinations, such as those for a trisomy, clarifications on hereditary diseases or predisposition to diseases before an illness breaks out, or tests to determine diagnosis and therapy. There are also non-medical tests that provide answers about suitable nutrition or personal training plans
What doesn’t it fix? Other laws regulate DNA profiling in law enforcement and human research.
Genetic tests on the Internet are booming – where is caution required? Wherever it is not clear whether the sensitive data on the genetic material will be used further. So if you order a genetic test online for fun, do it yourself and send in a saliva sample. The federal government informed on a site about that. He also warns against false promises, that tests cannot answer what they promise.
Why are such tests very strictly regulated in Switzerland? The law strictly regulates who can carry out genetic tests. In the medical field, only specialists such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists or chiropractors are allowed to do this. The point is that the test is accompanied and then, above all, that the results can be discussed together. If the test results in a diagnosis or a possible risk of disease, the result and consequences must be able to be explained and classified.
In the non-medical area, such as nutrition or sport, experts are also in demand when it comes to testing properties that are particularly worthy of protection. There are no regulations for the fun genetic tests – but caution is required when it comes to data and privacy protection.