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.

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.
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