DNA testing can provide important details about ancestry and health risks, such as a higher chance of getting certain diseases. DNA tests examine a person’s saliva to determine their risk of getting particular diseases, such as cancer, and their ancestry.
This page explains what DNA tests are and how they operate, and a few DNA tests can be purchased online.
How does DNA testing function?
Single-gene analysis: If a doctor suspects a person has a disorder, such as sickle cell disease, or if the individual has a known genetic mutation, the doctor may conduct Non- invasive Prenatal paternity test. This test only examines one gene.
Panel testing: This examines several genes. If a person suffers hearing loss, poor muscular tone, a shorter stature, or epilepsy, a doctor may request this test. Genes associated with an elevated risk of malignancies, such as breast or colorectal cancer, can also be identified using panel testing.
Exome sequencing: Doctors may request this for persons with more complicated medical histories.
Sequencing genomes: The results might hint at genetic reasons for health problems and irrelevant secondary discoveries.
A person can discover more about their history, their risk of acquiring particular health concerns, and their likely reactions to specific drugs by taking an at-home genetic test. A DNA test conducted at home cannot substitute one performed by a medical practitioner. If any of the results are alarming, a doctor should be consulted.
What to Look for in a DNA Test
When purchasing an at-home DNA test, people should consider the following factors:
Basic Facts: Not all DNA testing examine the same genes. It is critical to locate a test that provides the information required.
Safety: Ensure that only authorized employees have access to personal information.
Follow-up care: Some providers give further information about test findings and advice on what to do next.
The most effective DNA test kits
Here are some of the top DNA test kits reviewed.
Best for genealogy: 23andMe+
This is the company’s most complete genetic test, including 170 reports on ancestry, heritage, characteristics, and pharmacogenetics, which determines how well a person would respond to medicine.
The testing, in more detail, provides:
Health predisposition reports: More than ten studies examine factors such as the BRCA gene (albeit it isn’t a complete genetic BRCA test), late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Status reports for carriers: Over 40 pieces look for conditions including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and hereditary hearing loss.
Health reports: Deep sleep, lactose intolerance, and hereditary weight are all addressed in more than five papers.
Pharmacogenetics papers: Three publications examine how the body processes drugs.
Trait reports: There are over 30 reports that look for things like male pattern hair loss, sweet vs. salty tastes, and unibrow.
Ancestry reports: There are over 50 ancestry reports available.
This test takes a saliva sample, and 23andMe will notify you when your findings are ready, usually 3–4 weeks after you provide the model. 23andMe+ is a paid subscription. The first year costs $228 at publication, and the annual renewal is $29.
Personal history is best when: FamilyTreeDNA
In 4–8 weeks, you will receive your results. A person can pick from four different kits:
Paternal Lineage: This biological male-specific test enables people to understand more about their paternal ancestors. It also depicts the migratory routes used by male ancestors. The price of the kit is $119.
Family Ancestry: This kit may be purchased by anybody who wants to learn about the origins of their DNA segments. The cost is 79 dollars.
Family Ancestry + myDNA Wellness: This package includes a family finder and health and wellness advice based on a person’s DNA. Subscribers to this bundle will also have access to the myDNA Unlocked app. All of this is yours for $119.
Ancestry of Mother: This reveals any migratory pathways ancestors may have made and offers heritage information about the individual’s maternal side. The legal paternity test kit costs $159 and maybe ordered online.
Summary
At-home DNA tests can reveal ancestry and specific genetic characteristics that increase the risk of acquiring certain health disorders.
Online, you may purchase a variety of DNA testing. Before making a purchase, carefully investigate the company’s privacy policies.
