The recent C.S. Mott Children’s Hosital National Poll on Children’s Health reveals that 53% of parents are at least somewhat interested in getting at-home DNA tests for their children. The tests could show whether your kid runs a genetic risk for ailment such as heart disease and diabetes.

The FDA, however, isn’t so sure this is a great idea. In fact, according to the LA Times, the FDA has sent letters to several companies that sell these at-home genetic tests. It seems these tests were originally intended for diagnostic use in the doctor’s office, but smelling a consumer market, the test manufacturers are now offering them to parents for at-home testing themselves. As a result, the FDA is considering changing their rules to regulate the tests as they do other medical devices.

The concern is that the parents will use these tests to make medical decision for their children without the advice of a medical professional. The poll, which was nationally representative, queried over 1,400 parents. Of those who were in favor of the tests, they were interested in them so they could use the information to try to prevent the diseases their children are predisposed to getting–a slippery slope to what the FDA is worried about. As for the 47% of parents who weren’t interested in getting the tests for their kids, many were concerned that the tests would only make them worry or that negative results would wind up bringing some sort of discrimination to their children.

As it is, there’s an “Inborn Genetic Talent Test” on the market that purports to reveal what your child’s “hidden talents” are–genetically speaking, of course. Wow. The future is here. And it is full of snake oil.

Photo: DNA Worldwide