Factors to consider while choosing a DNA testing kit

As the knowledge about DNA testing spreads, more and more people are opting to get a test done so that they can learn about their ancestry. However, a problem occurs because there are too many DNA tests flooding the market, and some of them are apparently free as well. With such a diversity of choice in DNA testing services, it can be quite overwhelming to pick one.

To help you out, here are a few factors that you should keep in mind while deciding upon a DNA testing kit.

What kinds of DNA tests are available in the market?
There are three kinds of DNA tests, and each one serves a different purpose. Some services offer all three types of tests, but others usually provide just one. So you need to understand the types of DNA tests to decide upon a service.

• Y-DNA test: It checks for patrilineal or father’s family history and is only available for men.
• mtDNA test: This test checks for one’s matrilineal or mother’s family history. It uses the DNA available in your mitochondria, thus the name. The mtDNA test is available for both men and women.
• Autosomal DNA: This test checks for your entire family’s maternal and paternal lineage. Most people pick this type of test.

Which are the best DNA testing services in the market?

• Depending on your needs, the cost, and the duration, there are many services that you can choose.
• Ancestry DNA, 23andMe, and Living DNA are some popular and well-known brands in DNA testing.

What do you need to know about Ancestry DNA?

• Ancestry DNA is the most popular DNA testing service. They also advertise their services quite frequently.
• Most people use this service to get a family pie chart and to connect with distant or lost relatives. The best DNA kit by Ancestry only uses saliva, making the whole process easier.
• Ancestry’s main selling point is its huge gene pool record consisting of 150 ethnic regions and about 700,000 locations.
• Ancestry DNA arguably provides the largest database of gene information compared to all other DNA kits. The results of these are available online indefinitely, and if some of your lost relatives are registered, then you can contact them as well.
• One downside is that they don’t offer singular Y-DNA or mtDNA testing.
• It isn’t a good option for those coming from East Asia since their gene pool information lacks sufficient data.
• It is priced at around $79. You can find the DNA testing kit online and on e-commerce websites.

What are the features of the 23andMe DNA testing kit?
This test kit’s name is a reference to the 23 sets of chromosomes humans possess.

• 23andMe provides autosomal testing.
• However, the selling point of 23andMe is that you also get health screenings with your DNA analysis. None of the other DNA test kits provide this feature.
• Their wellness screenings and health analysis provide information regarding a predisposition to genetic diseases. It also gives information about any traits or health risks that run in your family.
• One disadvantage of this service is that you don’t get a large pool of gene information, as compared to the one provided by Ancestry DNA.
• However, it is the second largest pool of gene information out there.
• 23andMe doesn’t offer mtDNA or Y-DNA testing either.
• One can easily find this test kit in stores like CVS, Target, etc. You can check online sources too.
• This kit costs around $29.99, and with the lab test, the prices go up to $69 approximately. If you add the cost of its health and wellness screening, then you will be charged extra for that too.

Why should one choose DNA testing kits by Living DNA?
Say hello to the only DNA testing kit that gives you all three DNA test services at an affordable price.

• This service specializes in the British Isles region, so if you’re sure your family history comes from there, then this will be the best choice for you. This test requires DNA samples from inner cheek swabs.
• However, this test takes the longest time to send its results. Besides, it offers no details on living relatives, even if they’re registered with Living DNA. This service does not have a database for its clients either.
• It is one of the most cost-friendly choices. The cost of the entire kit with all the three DNA testing options is $99.