THE personalised genomics bandwagon has hit a red light in the state of New York. Its Department of Health has written to more than 20 genetic testing companies 鈥� including those in the new business of genome scanning 鈥� warning them they may be operating illegally.
Under state law, labs need a permit to conduct analytical tests on bodily samples drawn from its citizens. Tests with medical relevance must also be ordered by a doctor.
鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to operate within their laws,鈥� says Linda Avey, co-founder of 23andMe, one of the companies contacted. She argues that her company offers an 鈥渋nformational service鈥� rather than a clinical test. That distinction cuts little ice with state officials who warn that labs could face fines of $2000 for each day of unauthorised operation.
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