Flemington, NJ, May 17, 2010 – Results of a new national media study among 400 consumers revealed that the majority of consumers (74%) indicated that it was appropriate for pharmacies to sell home genetic testing kits.

The study was conducted during May 12-13 to obtain physicians’ perceptions of a video news report that Walgreens pharmacies will sell home genetic testing kits that assess the risk of developing dozens of health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer and heart disease. Walgreens has since postponed its plans to sell personal genetic test kits after the Food and Drug Administration intervened.

After viewing the video, a slight majority of viewers (53%) indicated that they would be “extremely likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase home genetic testing kits if they were available at a local pharmacy. Half of the respondents (50%) indicated that they would be “extremely likely” or “somewhat likely” to purchase home genetic testing kits if they were available online.

In addition, the majority of consumers (72%) indicated that the test results would have a “moderate” or “high” impact on their daily health decisions.

Among the findings:

Is it appropriate for pharmacies to sell a home genetic testing kit?

Please indicate the likelihood that you would purchase a home genetic testing kit that could predict your future health, if it was available:

Please indicate how much impact the results of a home genetic test would have on your daily health decisions.

While viewing the video, participants indicated their levels of interest by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also asked to respond to post-viewing questions.