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You Can Learn a Lot About Yourself From a DNA Test. Here’s What Your Genes Cannot Tell You

The landscape of the consumer genomics market now would have been barely recognizable a decade ago. One study by scholar Andelka Phillips, then at the University of Oxford, found that as of January 2016, at least 246 genetics testing companies across the globe were selling their wares directly to customers online. Not all DNA testing companies offer services related to predicting ethnicity and finding relatives; indeed, the spectrum of services they offer is dizzying, and their usefulness and accuracy sometimes dubious. They range from the paternity tests you can pick up at Walgreens to tests that look specifically for African or Native American ancestry to others promising DNA-based matchmaking…

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 At-home DNA tests just aren’t that reliable – and the risks may outweigh the benefits

The industry also offers tests for a variety of health conditions. A test may claim to provide you with predictions of your risk of developing breast cancer or Alzheimer’s. Carrier tests indicate whether you’re likely to pass on a particular condition to your child. But users can get contradictory results here too. One company might indicate you’re at a heightened risk of colon cancer, while another might say you have reduced risk. Not to mention genes are only one factor in most complex diseases.

 The Opt Out: 5 reasons to skip at-home genetic testing

Read this before you spit into that tube. IN THE LAST DECADE, direct-to-consumer genetic tests like those from Ancestry.com and 23andMe have become ubiquitous in the US. These services cater to Americans looking for distant relatives, a missing piece of their history, or insight into their health. But if you can’t wait to swab your cheeks or spit into a plastic tube (or have done so already), you should know the privacy risks involved in putting your entire genome in the mail.

Articles of Interest

5 surprising things your DNA is trying to tell you

Remember those pictures of DNA’s fascinating double helix? That twisted, two stranded ladder-like shape holds the code to your genetic history and the instructions for your life? Well now, for the first time in human history, you can access those instructions.

At-Home DNA Testing Kits May Give You Unreliable Health Information

It’s estimated that over 26 million people have taken a “direct-to-consumer” (or DTC) genetic testing kit, like 23andMe or AncestryDNA, and that number is likely to climb to 100 million by the end of the year. These companies trade on the idea that a quick spit swab test can clue you into your family history, genetic makeup, and the health conditions you may be at increased risk of developing (as long as you’re cool with sending off your genetic info to an online bank where it may be repurposed by data brokers, law enforcement, and a number of other entities).

Big Pharma Would Like Your DNA

23andMe’s $300 million deal with GlaxoSmithKline is just the tip of the iceberg.

Can Commercial DNA Analysis Create a Healthier You?

With DNA analysis making its way into the commercial realm, it was inevitable that the health industry would get in on the action. But how good is that for the consumer?

Color Genomics Wants To 'Democratize' Your DNA

The new test covers 30 genes, adding melanoma and stomach cancer to the list as well as greatly expanding Color's ability to test risk for pancreatic, prostate and colorectal cancers. "One of the impacts of putting this test on the market is that beyond just the cost difference, I think one of our biggest effects is reducing a lot of the friction and barriers that prevent people from getting tested historically," says Laraki.

Consumer genetic testing customers stretch their DNA data further with third-party interpretation websites

Genetic professionals and especially genetic counselors who are on the frontlines, seeing patients with their third-party reports, have well-founded concerns about the quality and reliability of results from DTC testing companies and third-party tools alike. This unease is likely exacerbated by the variability in scientific approaches and privacy and security practices across third-party tools.

FDA Approves Marketing Of Consumer Genetic Tests For Some Conditions

The tests assess genetic risk for the conditions but don't diagnose them, the FDA says. The agency urges consumers to use their results to "help to make decisions about lifestyle choices or to inform discussions with a health care professional," according to a press release about the decision.

How Do At-Home DNA Tests Work, Exactly?

Many DNA test kits promise to deliver enticing personal data. The results are probably not as accurate as you think.

How Do You Know When a DNA Test Is B.S.?

A company called Helix wants to sort through the pseudoscience in DNA tests, but it has its critics, too.

How to Get and Protect Your Genetic Data

Though consumer genetic testing and personal genome sequencing are still nascent fields, every indication suggests that the public will have a virtually insatiable appetite for genetic data. And as scientists get better at establishing links between DNA and diseases or specific traits, that demand will only increase. But are we ready for this data?

I Used DNA Testing To Personalize My Workouts And Here’s What Happened

I changed up my fitness routine and got great results. But did a genetic test actually help me get healthier—and could it help you?

New Genomic Tests Aim to Diagnose Deadly Infections Faster

Rapid genomic tests are poised to change the way doctors diagnose and treat infections, but their cost may limit widespread use.

Online Gene Testing – To a Healthier Life, Maybe

Genetic testing is emerging as a new trend in personal healthcare, where people can order the test online, know about their propensity for various diseases, and prepare for disease prevention. Then, again, maybe you don't want to know!

Personal Genetic Testing Is Here. Do We Need It?

Experts say many people are using a growing stream of genetic data to help them make better health decisions. But they also warn that some consumers may be led astray by genetic findings that are overblown or irrelevant.

Results Of At-Home Genetic Tests For Health Can Be Hard To Interpret

"Direct-to-consumer genetics companies are leading the way toward democratizing genetics and making it available to more and more people to learn about their risks and intervene in ways to keep themselves healthy," says Robert Green, a medical geneticist at Harvard. But other genetic specialists, including James Evans, a professor of genetics and medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, argue genetic testing is still in its infancy and that the results are often inconclusive and confusing.

Should you get a home genetic test?

Direct-to-consumer tests may help predict risks to your future health. But are they worth the cost and trouble?

The Rise of DIY Genetic Testing

Some people are skipping the doctor’s office and using the internet to order and interpret their own DNA tests.

The Rise Of Genetic Testing Companies And DNA Data Race

With the rise of direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies, and an explosion of genomic data emerging from individual DNA...

These Companies Want You to Sell Your DNA on the Internet

Human DNA has become a valuable research commodity, as drug companies, academic researchers, and governments all mine DNA databases in their search for new treatments and health innovations.

Want a diet plan? All this start-up needs is your money, blood and DNA

Diets have typically been one size fits all. Now we have science that can get us to a place where we can recommend a personalized eating system. — Denise Morrison, chief executive of Campbell Soup Co., Habit's sole financier.

We Don’t Want to Know What Will Kill Us

Years of data on genetic testing reveal that when given the option, most people want less information, not more.

What Can a Simple DNA Test Reveal About You in 2019? Everything

With a bit of your saliva and a few stamps, the latest direct-to-consumer genetic tests can let you discover how your DNA is driving your mood, your metabolism, your workouts, and even how your skin will (or won't) wrinkle.

What can genetic testing really tell you?

For now, just enjoy your life, because you can’t predict death. And if you decide to unlock the secrets of your DNA with an at-home test, don't take those results for more than their worth.

What Rare Disorder Is Hiding in Your DNA?

As comprehensive genetic tests become more widespread, patients and experts mull how to deal with unexpected findings.

What you can learn from controversial DIY gene tests

After being warned by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013 to “immediately discontinue” their services, 23andMe is back in business. Curious consumers can once again ship off a saliva sample to the Google-backed company to learn about the secrets encoded in their genes. But what can you really learn about yourself from these tests? And do you even want to know?

Why Consumers Should Think Twice Before Getting Genetic Tests

The first report from a big public-private project to improve genetic testing reveals it is not as rock solid as many people believe, with flaws that result in some people wrongly advised to worry about a disease risk and others wrongly told they can relax. Researchers say the study shows the need for consumers to be careful about choosing where to have a gene test done and acting on the results, such as having or forgoing a preventive surgery.

Why Knowing Your Genetic Data Can Be a Tricky Proposition

As genome testing expands, people are dealing with the new information in positive and negative ways.

Resources

23 reasons not to reveal your DNA

In terms of internet health, it’s part of a worrying trend of corporations to acquire personal data about people and act in their own best interests, not yours. OK, so test results can also lead to important discoveries about your personal health, and can also be shared for non-profit biomedical research in the public interest. But before you give in to your curiosity, here are 23 reasons not to reveal your DNA – one for each pair of the chromosomes in a human cell.

7 Things You Should Know About The Future Of Your Genetic Data

Within five years, Wojcicki predicts that many more consumers will have instant access to their own data, tests and on-demand health care wherever they are via their mobile devices. "I think that health care is going to radically change from this episodic visit to a medical center -- to something that you engage with in a regular, frequent basis, as comfortably as going to the grocery store," she said.

DNA at Home

A convenient, conclusive and confidential Next Day DNA paternity test from Cellmark - the UK's most experienced DNA testing company.

DNAFit

Our groundbreaking DNA test will change the way you think about fitness and nutrition forever.

FitnessGenes

FitnessGenes interprets your DNA and will help you build muscle, burn fat, and lead a healthier, longer life.

Genes for Good

Genes for Good is a research study aimed at generating and analyzing an enormous database of health and genetic information. This research will provide valuable biological insight into the causes of common diseases.

LifeDNA

Unlock the hidden potential in your DNA and gain personalized insights to transform your well-being. Dive deep into your unique gene mutations and traits, and discover actionable strategies to fast-track your wellness journey and supercharge your goals.

Sequencing

Our enhanced DNA reports provide clear, personalized guidance and actionable insights on a wide range of topics including health, wellness, and genealogy.

TeloMere Diagnostics

TeloYears is a simple DNA test that lets you track your cellular age based on your telomere length. Plus a personalized plan to help you improve it.

Zenome

Zenome is a decentralized market of genomic data and services.