DNA can reveal a lot about you. Suppose you are the source code for a video game. If you find a feature that solves a puzzle, you will understand that puzzles are included in the game. The game can have more components of action if you identify a feature of that code for jumping and climbing.
This can be the same with DNA testing to see what “functions” it exposes in your genetic code. This is why certain DNA testing might provide information on health and lifestyle.
Companies track information
Many DNA businesses hold DNA data from thousands or millions of consumers, with the permission of their customers. By matching your DNA to the DNA patterns from all those other DNA participants, firms easily tell whether you share single sequences. It helps you know your family tree, patterns of your ancestors, and identify relatives you never knew about.
What are at-home genetic tests?
At-home genetic tests evaluate DNA. These tests can detect changes in your DNA that improve your health risk. You don’t need your doctor’s prescription and do not require your health care plan to use a genetic test at home. You can easily do it.
How are these tests done?
- An at-home genetic test kit contains instructions to gather a sample. You can get your home DNA test kit online or from a store.
- You are going to send your sample to the vendor. Their lab does genetic testing.
- Your test results will be sent to you by the vendor. They can be sent online, by email, or by telephone.
- Some home-based genetic testing companies can offer a geneticist or health care expert to answer queries or explain outcomes.
Why are they done?
- Find out more about family relationships, including paternity
- Find your hereditary disease risk.
- Get to learn more about your health.
At-home genetic tests provide health risks information that might assist you to decide to make changes in your lifestyle to help you stay healthy.
What are the risks?
At-home genetic testing may not be as exact as your doctor can get. And the outcome could generate unnecessary worry. It may be difficult to understand the results of tests. And without the help of your doctor or your genetic consultant, you may not know what to do next.
Lastly, Firms that offer your health and lifestyle DNA testing generally sell diets and fitness items too. Typically, results of such companies by clinical genetics providers are not medically valid.
What else should you know?
More research is necessary to understand the benefits and risks. The results of the genetic testing at home are usually only one piece of information. Lifestyle, family history, and the environment are some things that may affect your health. So it is a good idea to speak to your doctor if you are considering using this test.
The Dark side of DNA testing
This also throws up one of the most dangerous aspects of DNA testing: The privacy implications. Your DNA is the source code to you.
If DNA businesses, whether with law enforcement or others, share this code, it can be a little disturbing. It’s one thing if you allow sharing. But, when your family member or cousin has permitted sharing their DNA, they have also allowed a considerable amount of your DNA to be shared.
It doesn’t even mention what happens if the testing service provider gets hacked. The other problem is for people who had DNA tests, got back results they didn’t expect.
There are various concerns involved with this, what you’ve been told about your family history, and distressing revelations about your family tree. Take these unforeseen implications into account while deciding to proceed with the DNA test.
