title: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing in Slovenia: availability, ethical dilemmas and legislation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the last few years, many private companies are advertising direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTC GT), mostly with no or only minor clinical utility and validity of tests and without genetic counselling. International professional community does not approve provision of DTC GT and situation in some EU countries has been analysed already. The aim of our study was to analyse current situation in the field of DTC GT in Slovenia and related legal and ethical issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information was retrieved through internet search, performed independently by two authors, structured according to individual private company and the types of offered genetic testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five private companies and three Health Insurance Companies offer DTC GT and it is provided without genetic counselling. Available tests include testing for breast cancer, tests with other health-related information (complex diseases, drug responses) and other tests (nutrigenetic, ancestry, paternity). National legislation is currently being developed and Council of Experts in Medical Genetics has issued an opinion about Genetic Testing and Commercialization of Genetic Tests in Slovenia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the fact that Slovenia has signed the Additional protocol to the convention on human rights and biomedicine, concerning genetic testing for health purposes, DTC GT in Slovenia is present and against all international recommendations. There is lack of or no medical supervision, clinical validity and utility of tests and inappropriate genetic testing of minors is available. There is urgent need for regulation of ethical, legal, and social aspects. National legislation on DTC GT is being prepared.
authors: Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors: Irena
authors: I
authors: Vrecar
authors: Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors: Borut
authors: B
authors: Peterlin
authors: Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors: Natasa
authors: N
authors: Teran
authors: Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Lovrecic
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017524:Slovenia
keywords: DTC; Direct-to-consumer genetic testing; ethics in genetics; legislation