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The new popular thing to do is take an ancestry test using a DNA type sample that you mail into some facility. While this sounds really neat and I’ve enjoyed hearing my friends share their results, I personally don’t want one. Maybe it’s because I watch too many Forensic Files or other police type shows, but sending my DNA out to some facility just sounds sketchy to me. For example, I was watching Forensic Files one night and they used the DNA “log” to solve a cold case. This means police were able to access the DNA data that had been saved from those who took some brand’s ancestry testing. This is great for those who were impacted by a cold case and want closure, it’s just odd that my DNA will be kept in some private file held there for whatever use in the future. I am not comfortable with that.

If you’re still on the fence about getting a DNA or ancestry test, just like me, then here are some things that you should take into consideration before jumping on the DNA or ancestry testing bandwagon.

3 Things to Think About Before Doing a DNA or Ancestry Test

Make Sure You’re Prepared

Sometimes we think we want to know more and when we do, we regret it. This is one thing that worries me about all of the advanced technology and science being combined. Sometimes we simply don’t need to know everything about how history or health. Some DNA and ancestry testing will go so far as to tell you if you’re at risk for certain health problems, such as ovarian cancer. This is information I really don’t need to know. This type of information could cause unnecessary worry in people.

There May Be Insurance Risks

As I said, some brands keep your DNA and the results on file. This means in some countries your insurance company may find out about these conditions that you’re predisposed to have. This could result in an increase in insurance costs and quite frankly, none of us need that drama. I recently found out that people in Australia can supposedly be denied life insurance based on genetic testing results. This is certainly something to think long and hard about before getting a DNA and ancestry test done. Make some phone calls to find out what the laws are in your country and state.

May not be Accurate

There hasn’t been much control or overhead with the DNA and ancestry testing companies out there. It’s grown rather quickly as an industry with little to no regulation. Scientists have also stated that these home tests for DNA and ancestry results may not be quite accurate. If you have a question about the results and their accuracy, you’ll find that genetic testing facilities have a ridiculously long wait list so you may never know if the results are completely accurate. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to buy a DNA or ancestry test, I want to know that the results are accurate.

 

AncestryDNA: Genetic Testing23andMe DNA Test Ancestry Personal Genetic Service – includes at-home saliva collection kit24Genetics – DNA Ancestry Test Kit – 400 Regions Worldwide – Genetic Testing – Includes at-home swab collection kitFamily Tree DNA Genetic Ancestry Test Kit – Worlds First Genetic Genealogy Company – History Unearthed Daily

Now that I’ve shared this information, if you’re still up for getting this done, well I hear that this is the most popular option out there. Right now there are many brands out there hopping on the bandwagon to deliver your DNA and ancestry results to you, be sure to research all brands thoroughly before doing this. Think long and hard about what the results or having your DNA stored somewhere may do for your future. If you feel you’ve researched enough and are ready to take the dive, then you can purchase your DNA and ancestry testing today.

Have you done this before? What are your thoughts about this topic?