who are you?

Most people are intrigued to learn about their heritage, late relatives and genetic health risks. At-home DNA tests promise to cure this curiosity—but do they really work?

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By Laurel Gillum

Approved by the FDA, athome genetic tests are for proactive patients who want to know what’s written in their DNA. After you receive your genetic test of choice in the mail, read the instructions carefully and collect the saliva sample as directed. Instead of reviewing these results with a doctor, the results will be posted on a secure website for self-review.

Although a genetic test prescribed by a doctor will typically break down information regarding your chemical makeup in more detail, these mail-in kits focus on areas where your genetic pool is strongest—therefore, prove to be quite accurate.

Hop on the bandwagon— here are the top at-home DNA tests that millions of Americans are raving about.

23andMe—Health + Ancestry Service, $199

Learn about your lineage, inherent health risks and physical traits with this mailorder genetic kit. 23andme.com

AncestryDNA, $79

Touted as the most detailed at-home DNA test, you can find out lost information about your family’s origins. This test, however, will not provide information relevant to your well-being. ancestrydna.com

MyHeritage DNA, $99

Many people use DNA tests to find their biological relatives.

MyHeritage assists you in your search for an a ordable price. myheritage.com

Vitagene—Health + Ancestry DNA Test, $99.99

Start living your best life. From diet to exercise, this plan will help you make healthy life choices based on your genetic pool. vitagene.com

National Geographic’s Ancestry DNA Kit—Geno 2.0, $99.95

National Geographic’s genetic kit provides consumers with three reports, including regional, deep and hominin ancestry, to help you delve into your past. nationalgeographic.com

Helpful Hints

Before carrying out these athome tests…

Keep in mind that these tests are not to be used in place of medical care. Athome genetic kits are helpful in the sense that they may bring to light family medical history. Any detected health risks should immediately be brought to the attention of a primary care physician for possible preventative treatment.

Lastly, carefully review the contract provided to you by the genetic testing company. You might be surprised to find that the information you provided them with might not always be completely confidential, as the company is allowed to release your name, age, address and medical history to pharmaceutical drug makers for research. Happy testing!