Everyone is rushing to take a test! A few years ago, the rush was in getting tested for HIV/AIDS – the much-feared monster that made sex less ‘meaningful’ for some. Later on, more STIs sprang forth and people started getting used to the constantly changing threat. Eventually, that rush passed and instead, people are now in a rush to get their online DNA test kits. Some are doing just for the fun of it while others find themselves influenced by peers and close relations. And then there is another group that find themselves in the curious stage of their lives, hence, a deep urge to carry out the research. Whatever your reasons are for taking the test, the vast majority of these kits actually do work.
A number of people are skeptical about purchasing an online DNA test kit, as there have been reports on the inconsistency of results from various testing companies. Of course, there will be some that are just out to get your money and offer nothing in return.
The industry has been swamped by new companies popping up every week offering DNA testing services. The lucrative business is only expected to entice more service providers in the next few years as more and more people are seeing the sense of getting tested.
Why You Need to Test ASAP
The best way to address this question would probably be to tell you what you’re missing out on if you haven’t taken that test. First things first, how does the DNA test work?
DNAs are complex and made up of 3 billion base pairs containing a myriad possible sequences of the four basic chemicals (represented as A, T, G and C – refer to a geneticist near you). These 4 chemicals form the instruction manual for any human being and occasionally a mistake is introduced into the sequence. These mutations are referred to as “misspellings” and when a multitude of people share the same mutations, they’re called single nucleotide polymorphisms (pronounced ‘snips’).
What the genetics company will do is use the SNPs to calculate the relative risk of falling prone to certain types of ailments. It’s important to note that at this time the mutations studied on the genes cannot determine whether you are prone to cancer or certain heart conditions. However, ‘It’s always a good idea to take the opportunity to get an early warning of any conditions you might be high risk for,’ suggests Arthur Richards, managing director at bestdnatest.net.
The DNA tests will also come back with your ancestry information clearly indicating where your ancestors migrated from as well as the migratory routes followed. While giving you sacred information on your ancestors, the results may also give you a chance to connect with your living relatives. People are getting surprised every day by getting connected to relatives they never knew existed. Get to know the historical information about you that no one else can tell you.
The DNA Testing Process
Testing is the easiest part; most of these companies will only ask for a little blood sample or simply a saliva sample. They will also have guidelines and directions as to how to go about the testing.
Remember when we talked about numerous inconsistencies in results with some companies? Before you even order the test, you need to look for the companies that won’t scam you. These are the ones that make use of FDA-CLIA-approved laboratories and equipment to run their tests. The best rated in the industry include AncestryDna, 23andMe and MyHeritage which happens to be cost effective as well as convenient.
Now you’re in the know – don’t get left behind by the rush of people checking themselves out every day. We would recommend you to get the different types of DNA testing done, this includes the autosomal DNA test, mtDNA as well as the Y-DNA test. Doing these through different companies will allow you to get as detailed a history as possible. Grow your family tree as you get to know yourself better.
23andMe DNA Test – Health + Ancestry Personal Genetic Service – 90+ Online Reports – includes at-home saliva collection kit (Health and Beauty)ANCESTRY FEATURES
Ancestry reports – 5 reports including: Ancestry Composition, Maternal & Paternal Haplogroups, Neanderthal Ancestry, Your DNA Family – DNA Relative Finder: Find and connect with relatives in the 23andMe database who share DNA with you. (opt-in) HEALTH FEATURES OTHER FEATURES
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