DNA tests available at local stores
5:44 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2008
"Paternity tests are less expensive than most genetic tests, but I still feel that if people choose this because it's the least expensive option, they may not really be getting the information they need," said Molly Lund.
On the shelf at a couple of pharmacies here in the Capital City, DNA testing in a box.
Molly Lund is a genetic counselor at Stormont-Vail and she questions the accuracy of the test.
"My concern with this is that patients may use this testing in a situation where it really isn't appropriate for them, or they don't understand fully the kind of information they will be getting," said Lund.
We went to CVS to buy one of these over-the-counter kits, but they were all sold out. They told us they are flying off the shelves.
But Hy-Vee had some in stock, so we bought one to see what it entailed.
The box says the tests are 99.9 percent accurate, but you have to pay $175 more to get the lab results.
The cost is cheap on the shelf, a little more than $8.
When you open it up, it comes fully equipped with cotton swabs. Each test is color coated for the mother, father, and child.
But before you rush out and buy one, "Well I always think it's best for a person to ask their physician before you get a test off the self that you are not really familiar with," said Lund.
Also the box says it's not legally admissible in court, and the test sold at CVS says there's an extra cost for that legal certification.
"If people want to use this paternity information for legal reasons, really, additional steps need to be taken, which probably have additional costs," said Lund.
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