5 Things to Consider when Ordering for a DNA Testing Kit
09/12/2018
Millions of people are turning to DNA testing to get insight into their ancestry and to know which diseases they are genetically predisposed to. DNA testing is an exercise that seems more like an adventure which offers very little room for intimidation. By just purchasing the DNA test kit online, enclosing your saliva sample, mailing it to the company, and receiving your results after a few weeks, its an experience anyone would be fascinated about. However, as with all other products available in the world today, its good to take time finding out which company gives the best value from the information available on their site.
Once you are certain that the company you are buying the test kit from understands your expectations on matters privacy, accuracy and reliability; then you can comfortably invest your money, time and emotions into the exercise. But even after the choice of the best of the DNA testing company, there are a number of things that you should consider before taking the much hyped about test. These include:
Be sure that you can handle the results
Curiosity
is usually the main thing that will push you to taking a DNA test. In
the process of wanting to know, you might end up finding out details
that you were not exactly looking for. The risk of discovering an
unexpected paternity is real. Such revelations can bring with them a lot
of queries that might have major effects on families. In the process
this might break, build or interfere with existing relationships. Its
therefore important to know what you are getting yourself into before
taking the test.
From the test results, you can also discover that your human genome
predisposes you to certain diseases some with no cure. These diseases
could include certain cancers or the genetic Alzheimer's disease. Before
taking the genetic test, be sure that you can handle the scare of the
list of diseases that will be provided to you as the disease risk
estimates. By uderstanding that the possibility of getting a disease
does not mean that you will definitely get the disease, you'll be able
to handle the results better; while seeking information on how to reduce
the chances of actually developing the disease.
Understand what is possible and what is not
Most
of the companies offering the DNA analysis services clearly outline the
science behind their results. Some companies do not provide this
information. Avoid buying your DNA test kit from a
company that is clearly offering too much answers without explaining
the formula of arriving at the answers. Getting information about your
ancestry is possible as much as knowing the genetic diseases that you
could easily get. It's also possible to know the best type of exercises
that can fit your genetic make up in order to get the best results from
your practice. With a cannabis DNA testing kit you can know how your body would react to medical marijuana.
Even with all these possibilities, it's important to know that there are marketing gimmicks that can mislead you into believing that a DNA test can provide more information than it actually can. Whether the test is for you or for your children, aimed at helping you to how best you can utilize your DNA to your advantage, its good to ensure that all claims that a company makes are backed up with scientific evidence.
Be prepared to have a medical follow-up of the DNA test results
Most
of the times, you will not be able to interpret fully what is contained
in the results and you may not know how to go about dealing with
expected genetic outcomes. Professional interpretation of the results
followed by appropriate counselling by qualified genetic counsellors,
can go a long way into making the results less confusing and more
bearable. A one on one visit to a medical personnel trained in genetics
is much better than looking for answers on the internet. Better still,
there are some DNA testing companies that have medical and counseling
staff, who are on stand by to help you come to terms with your test
results. It is advisable to take your online DNA test with one of these
as you are certain that you will be dealing with knowledgeable
professionals in addressing your queries.
The privacy of your DNA and data is not certain
Though
there exists international guidelines on privacy of genetic data, some
online DNA testing companies do not comply with the set out rules. After
sending your sample to the company, ensuring that it is destroyed is
very difficult. The company can decide to retain your sample
indefinitely and there's nothing much you can do about it.
Some online testing companies are known to have sold access to their databases to third parties which therefore exposes your genetic information without your knowledge. Realizing that this could happen will help you in making informed decisions before taking the test.
Some online testing companies are known to have sold access to their databases to third parties which therefore exposes your genetic information without your knowledge. Realizing that this could happen will help you in making informed decisions before taking the test.
Know that the results can affect your insurance
In
some countries like Australia genetic test results can influence your
health insurance. It's good to know that results, even internet based,
can be used to discriminate against you. While applying for life
insurance, you can be compelled to disclose DNA test results among other
test results. If the results indicate that you are at a high risk of
getting a particular disease, this can be used by the insurance company
to raise your premiums. This is possible even where the evidence of
getting the disease is not certain.Taking
into consideration the above factors will help you in making the
decision to take a DNA test from an informed perspective. You will be
able to relate better with the results outcome when you know exactly
what step to take after receiving the results. Understanding what can go
wrong will have you properly cushioned from surprises that you could
previously not have handled well.