Genetic testing at a store near you?

Pathway test kit (source/facebook)

Next time you stop by your local drug store to pick up your prescription or a pack of gum, you could also find out if you’re at risk for breast cancer.

Walgreens drug stores plans to start selling Insight personal genetic testing kits, pending FDA review. These kits will test for a variety of genetic disorders, everything from cystic fibrosis to Alzheimers. It's the first time a major retail chain in the US will offer home tests that say they assess the risk of developing one of dozens of different health conditions. The kits will cost 20 to 30 dollars each and will include a saliva collection swab and a postage-paid envelope that customers can use to send their saliva sample to the Pathway laboratory.

Pathway's test kits will analyze genes for three factors: to predict what a person's risk is for diseases; to assess parents' chances of passing a health problems to future children; and to see how a person will respond to certain drugs.

The store-bought saliva swab kits raise concerns from doctors, scientists, bio-ethicists and genetic counselors. Medical professionals are worried about user error or misinterpretation of the results. Test findings could also scare a user, especially without a full medical assessment or consultation.

Not only will Atlanta area Walgreens have the genetic tests, but other Atlanta drug stores are following suit, CVS plans to have the test in stores by August.

For more on the genetic testing kits click here.