Over the past few years, genetic tests have become quite normal. DNA testing can tell you so many things—from ancestral history to potential risks hidden in your DNA. It is a quick, painless, and inexpensive medical test. If you are thinking of getting a DNA test for a personal or medical reason, then there are a few things that you shall absolutely consider. Read them below:
Understand the Limits of DNA Testing
First and foremost, you need to know the limits of what’s possible. When it comes to DNA testing, many clinics, testing labs, and companies happen to claim so many things. Some find correct while others might be unauthentic. Hence, you must choose a DNA tester like CRI Genetics that can ensure reliable results back by scientific evidence.
A DNA test can help you know more about your genes, ancestral history, and family relatedness. However, if any company/lab claims that they can help you know about a child’s soccer prowess or wine preferences, then they are totally wrong here. It is sensible on your end to discuss with your doctor, talk with a lab testing expert, or even search online to better understand the limits of a DNA test.
Prepare Yourself for the Information
Perhaps, you already realize that genetic tests can reveal so many things about a person’s body. And there are times in your life when you are not fully prepared. Maybe you are trying a DNA test to extract information about your ancestor, but there are chances that you will end up getting information more than you expected. For instance, risks of a certain disease, unanticipated paternity, etc. Thus, it is good on your end to be mentally prepared for anything.
You should think carefully if you really want to proceed with DNA testing. And whether the information that you are getting about yourself is coming from a valid source or not.
Find Out Who Will Have Access to Your DNA Results
You may find this slightly strange, but it is always a reasonable idea to learn beforehand about who will have access to your DNA data. It is because some DNA testing labs don’t happen to follow the standard rules & regulations about patients’ confidentiality and the use of DNA data. Such labs/clinics/companies can retain DNA samples which they further use for research purposes. They even try to sell genetic information and DNA results to third parties without informing the donors.
Hence, if you want to protect yourself from such medical fraud, you should look for a trustworthy lab/clinic that will destroy your DNA sample as long as you are done with your test and having access to your personal results. Precisely, you need to understand the risks and limitations of medical tests.
Know the Kinds of DNA Tests
It can be knowledgeable on your end to learn about the common kinds of DNA tests. Normally, there are three types of DNA tests: Autosomal, Mitochondrial, and Y-DNA.
An autosomal DNA test is performed to study the chromosomes one to 22. This type of test is usually conducted for family genealogy projects. A mitochondrial DNA test is performed to learn about the mitochondrial passed to the child from his mother. This test is best-suited to identify the maternal line for deep family ancestry & anthropologic analysis. Lastly, Y-DNA is performed to look at Y-chromosomes. This test is conducted to learn about the paternal line—from father to son only. This test is also capable of digging deep into family ancestry.
Before taking the DNA test, you shall know the reason and need behind this so that you don’t end up choosing the wrong type of DNA test and wasting your money.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
