Home Tests Find Disease-Related Genes

A researcher who found gene mutations related to bipolar disorder now is selling a home test for the genes. This is the latest of more than 1,000 home gene tests for various conditions. The Associated Press reported on the home tests March 22. The new test looks for mutations in two genes. A person spits into a cup and sends the saliva to a laboratory. Results are sent to the person’s doctor. A positive result does not mean that someone has bipolar disorder. It means the risk of this disease is two to three times higher than average.