Despite a clear range in testing and business practices... the term “snake oil” was repeatedly invoked to describe all DTC genetic tests.This is a problem. Reporting from these hearings could easily leave the impression that Congress found genetic testing was the equivalent of snake oil. While the government's investigators did find disturbing business practices in only some DTC genetic testing companies, their hearings have no relationship to the validity of genetic testing for health. "Snake oil" is a loaded phrase, and it is irresponsible of politicians and regulators to use it indiscriminantly.
Genetics is not 'snake oil'
Reading an article on today's Congressional hearings about direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, it strikes me that Congressmen are using phrases like "snake oil" and "snake oil salesmen" to describe genetic testing: