DNA is what makes all living things unique. It is who we are and with the commercialization of its test kits. It is now very easy to know more about yourself and ancestral roots, in the comfort of your home. You just order, test and send the sample be it blood or saliva and wait for the online results to be generated for you.
However, you should note that DNA tests are only valuable if you know what you want to test. This way you buy the right type of DNA test kit for the wanted results. As you can find some that do DNA health testing, others for heritage and ancestry roots while some are for paternity.
As much, as these tests are helpful at identifying certain genetic traits in your family and their connections to you. It is not something you should take as a joke, as it is bound to reveal loads of information about your life you never thought existed.
Therefore, you should be careful before seeking any type of genetic test. You can never be ready for what you do not know, even after thorough consultation and counseling.
Here is what you need to know before buying the best DNA test kit in the current market.
1. DNA Test Kits are Different
You should seek some genetic counseling and consultation before opting for any type of DNA test. This is because there are different types of DNA test kits and not all are designed to perform the same function or give the same kind of data results. For example, a paternity DNA test kit can help to determine the baby’s father, ancestry DNA kits can be used to trace lineage and where your family came from, and specialty DNA tests can be used to look at certain health risks, etc.
Therefore, you should know what you want to test for be it your ancestral roots, health risks or your overall genealogical map around the world. This way you get to buy the best DNA ancestry test kit or the best DNA kit for personalized health.
So make sure you buy what is right for you and not just any DNA test kit.
2. DNA Tests Do Not Predict Your Future
Currently, DNA tests can only help you know if you are at risk of certain diseases genetically and not diagnose you for it. You should note that DNA is not the sole determinant of being at risk for certain kinds of diseases, as lifestyle choices and environmental factors can also affect your health.
Also, even if you are genetically at risk for certain diseases it does not mean that you will go on to develop the said disease.
Therefore, note that your future does not solely depend on your genetic results, especially when it comes to health.
3. Know of Privacy Terms
Privacy is important where technology is concerned. Therefore, you should know how private your DNA samples would be before buying the test kit, the higher the privacy level, the better.
Do some research and get to know what your data would be used for. Know if it can be shared with researchers or other genetic companies, and will you be notified if they do so or if anything happens to the data.
4. Know How Different DNA Test Kits Work
You should know how genetic test kits work before buying. This is in relation to the DNA sample you will be required to give. Likewise, take note of how the data/results will be presented. The easier it is the better for a quick understanding of your genetic makeup.
5. Get To Know the Result Duration
Before you buy any DNA test kit, you should know how long it takes for the results to come back. However, take note that fast delivery of results does not mean that the results are more accurate than those that take longer.
Therefore, do your research on different companies to gauge their reputability and reliability and consider the time they take to deliver their results. This way you get accurate results within your desirable period.
6. Research on Company Databases
The bigger the databases the better for you, as the results will likely be more accurate when compared to those companies with smaller databases for referencing.
You can do your research but always settle for a DNA test kit company with huge databases for thorough and more accurate results.
7. Cost
This only matters if you are comparing different DNA test kit companies with the same kind of service. However, always select the best ones first and then pick one you can afford to the end.
Conclusion
In conclusion, do not just take a DNA test for the sake of it. It is not a fun or leisure activity. Do your research, get to know more about it, the risks it can have on your mental health and how it is bound to affect other member s of your family.
Anyway, any decision you make should not be abrupt but one done after proper consultation and counseling with a reputable genetic healthcare provider.
