There are many reasons why people choose to get DNA tests. Maybe they want to confirm a parental relationship, maybe they want to know about their ancestors or maybe they’re just curious about their genetic makeup. Regardless of the reason, there are a plethora of DNA testing services available on the market these days and for the average consumer, it might be a little confusing.
How is one better than the other? How do you know which is right for you? In the midst of all the chaos of the DNA testing markets, here are a few tips to guide your choice.
- Choose Based on Your Needs:
While the term DNA testing is rather vague, there are many reasons why this testing is done and you should consider this before choosing a service. For example, some DNA37 tests are specifically designed to break down your ancestry and tell you what your genetic makeup is. Some are specifically designed to confirm the paternity or maternity of specific people or confirm familial relationships. Some are also designed to give a breakdown of their genetic predisposition for health reasons.
This is one of the most important things you should consider. Choosing a DNA testing service for familial relationships will not be of any use to you if your primary reason for testing is to find out your genetic makeup. Before you patronize any service, conduct research on the type of DNA testing they do and make sure it is in line with your needs.
- Consider Price:
Depending on the service you use, DNA testing might be quite expensive or rather cheap. If you are getting a test done in the lab, you can run into hundreds of dollars but if you choose a home testing kit, you can save a lot of money. If you intend to do a lot of testing on multiple people then it might also cost more money. Depending on your budget for the entire procedure, one form of DNA testing might be more convenient for you than another. Before choosing a service, compare several options within the market to find one that is best within your price range and also meets your needs.
- Consider Time Constraints:
Just like with price, DNA services differ in terms of the return rate for results. Some services take weeks to give results back while some like DNA37 pride themselves and give back results as early as 48 hours. If you require DNA testing results back very quickly, say for a medical emergency, or as part of an application, you might want to opt for the latter to get faster results.
If you do not have a pressing deadline and have weeks to spare, then you could very well go for the former and wait a few weeks for your test results to come back. Either way, confirm the return time for whatever service you are considering and make sure it lines up with your needs before you sign up for any specific DNA service.
- Consider Security and Privacy Measures:
Obviously, DNA testing requires the submission of biological samples and of very sensitive information like paternity, maternity, and genetic breakdown. You can’t have this information in the hands of just anyone and before you book with a DNA service, make sure to conduct your research and confirm their current safety and privacy practices.
For example, some DNA services are known to aggregate user data and sell them to advertisers. Those who use their services then find themselves being bombarded with ads that are based on their now confirmed DNA history. Make sure you book with a service that does not engage in this sort of practice to make sure that all your privacy will be protected and your details safe.
- Consider Convenience:
Depending on your current lifestyle, you might prioritize convenience during the process of booking a DNA service. Some DNA services require you to present yourself to a lab to collect samples while some mail a kit for you to collect the samples yourself and mail them back to the lab.
Depending on your schedule, you might find it more convenient to go to a lab directly or you might prefer to take the samples yourself and mail them. Consider this when choosing a DNA service and make sure it aligns with your current lifestyle.
The DNA services market has exploded in the last decade and that means there are more options for consumers than ever before. Before you make your choice, keep all the following tips in mind and make sure they are taken into consideration before you make your choice. This will ensure that you choose the service that is best for you and will give you exactly what you are looking for in a DNA testing service.
