Hacker News Reader

Do you have concerns about over-diagnosis, turning people in patients unnecessarily? Can this information creating outsized worry and psychological impacts that exceed the potential problem that may or may not eventuate? In the US I imagine there are also insurance implications.

View on HN

Yes, we are taking this topic very seriously, especially in the light of recent genetic testing controversies. We will work hard on not only making the science behind our reports solid, but also making sure that the reports are communicated clearly. Early generations of the technology will mostly focus on overall health status and fitness. As for disease diagnosis, every single case will be worked out individually, will be tested, and will also be subject to regulatory scrutiny.

Some of the (?indicative) screengrabs on your website also seem to suggest that your app will advise a 'dietary source' when some level is low - is this actually your intention?

Because it's far from obvious that dietary supplementation of X is going to have a causal link to a reduction in problem Y, where Y is associated with low levels of X.

For example, a low ferritin isn't always best treated with iron supplements - certainly they won't treat the bowel cancer that could be the underlying cause.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com