Best DNA Testing

The basics of DNA testing

DNA testing was originally used in the medical field to determine the likelihood of manifesting a specific genetic trait or disease. With these tests, you can determine your carrier status for a gene abnormality. This information provides a likelihood of passing these genes on to your children. Medical DNA tests use saliva, blood, skin, amniotic fluid, or hair to gather DNA and sequence the genetic code. 

Over the last 30 years, DNA testing companies have made testing cheaper and more available to the general public. You can now order a DNA test right to your home with a click of a button. The new DNA testing products serve specific purposes different from a traditional DNA test. The major objective of direct-to-consumer DNA tests is to uncover ancestry information. 

DNA testing limitations

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing has its limitations. Except for 23andme, most DNA testing cannot give you FDA-approved health results. 23andme produces results for a limited number of diseases such as the gene for breast cancer. If you are concerned about having a specific genetic trait, you should seek a medical-grade DNA test. 

DNA testing works by comparing all the previous tests that have been taken against your DNA test. While the sample size is growing every day, the database cannot accommodate all individuals equally until DNA testing becomes globally widespread. Some groups and ethnicities are currently underrepresented in DNA data servers. Certain ethnicities will not receive detailed results because of limited data information.

Individuals of European descent will receive more information from their DNA tests than individuals of Asian or African descent. In response, some DNA testing companies offer services for specific ethnicities such as African Ancestry. Individuals of African descent can take an African lineage test to determine their ancestors’ tribe. 

Types of DNA tests

DNA testing companies use different types of DNA tests to provide specific services. Direct-to-consumer testing uses three main types of tests: autosomal DNA testing, Y DNA test, and Mitochondrial DNA.

Autosomal DNA testing 

An autosomal test uses your non-sex chromosomes to determine your ethnicity estimate and  DNA matches (relatives). This test is based on the autosomal chromosomes that do not differentiate between the maternal and paternal lines. The results of an autosomal DNA test will be the same for males and females. 

Y DNA test (y-DNA) 

This Y DNA test focuses on the y chromosome. Males can take a Y DNA test to trace their paternal line. Since the Y chromosome is passed from father to son, men can use this test to trace back their direct patrilineal line for hundred to thousands of years. 

Mitochondrial DNA test (mtDNA test)

The mtDNA test can be used for both males and females. This test traces matrilineal ancestry because mothers pass mtDNA on to each of their children. The mtDNA remains the same as it passes from mother to offspring. 

DNA testing services

Each DNA testing company will have slightly different objectives in analyzing your DNA. Some companies provide a basic package for ancestry services with additional upgrade features. Below are some of the major testing services you can expect from large DNA testing companies: 

Ancestry testing

Build your family tree with ancestry testing. This feature gives you an ethnicity estimate based on your DNA sample. You can see where your ancestors originated from and what DNA was passed on to you. 

Relative finder

The relative finder feature notifies you if it finds a DNA match. By opting in for this feature, you can discover living relatives who you may not know. Some individuals chose to disable this feature to maintain privacy.

Health and wellness testing

23andMe was recently approved by the FDA for health and wellness testing. This company can test for carrier traits such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, celiac disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. Few companies are approved by the FDA for DNA health testing. This does mean that other companies don’t offer these types of services. You can order wellness tests from companies such as 5strands and CRI genetics that give you insight into your nutrition, health, and allergies. 

DNA data upload

Some DNA testing companies will offer to upload your entire raw DNA data to be used for other services and purposes. You can use this raw data to find out more about your DNA by uploading your results to a third-party site for a closer examination. 

Taking a DNA test

Companies produce DNA testing kits that are user friendly to accommodate a wide variety of people. When you receive a DNA test kit in the mail, the kit will include a few specific items and instructions. The main item you will want to pay attention to is a small vial for your saliva. Before taking the test, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking 30 minutes. Although these substances will not alter the DNA, they could mask some of the code making it more difficult to read. Most medications will not interfere with the results except for chemotherapy. If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, wait two weeks after your last round to take the test. 

The next step is simple — just spit into the test tube. Make sure you get enough spit so that the sample size is met. This is the most common method for at-home DNA testing. Some tests require that you take a cotton swab and gently scrape the inside of your cheek. After collecting the saliva sample, you will then box up your saliva sample and send it back to the company. The company will receive your sample and start coding and analyzing the process. You should receive your DNA test results within two to eight weeks depending on the company. Depending on the company, you will either receive a digital or physical copy of the results. 

Price

Some companies offer a one-time fee for a test kit and others offer an additional subscription-based service. The subscription fee allows you to evaluate results as they change with an expanding database. The price of DNA testing kits varies between companies and services. Test kits prices vary between $19.99 to $499 depending on the services. 

If you are a student or teacher, you may be eligible for an educational discount. Keep an eye out for sales during the holiday season.