A study published in Health Affairs sheds light on the rapid rise of genetic testing, identifying approximately 75,000 genetic tests on the market as of Aug. 1, 2017.
For the study, researchers used data compiled by health IT company Concert Genetics. They examined the test catalog database for March 2014 to August 2017 to determine genetic testing trends and the genetic testing claims database for January 2014 to December 2016 to determine commercial insurers' genetic spending.
Among the 75,000 genetic tests identified, most were single-gene tests. It also found rapid growth in genetic testing, with about 10 new tests coming about each day.
As far as genetic spending, prenatal tests made up 33 to 43 percent of spending from 2014-16, according to the study. The next highest percentage of spending was hereditary cancer tests (approximately 30 percent).
"Our results provide insights for those interested in assessing genetic testing markets, test usage, and health policy implications, including current debates over the most appropriate regulatory and payer coverage mechanisms," the study's authors concluded.