One of the most interesting things about humans is how our genetic makeup influences so many things. The world wouldn’t be so fascinating if everybody looked the same, but our genetic differences give each person a unique profile.
A DNA test is an excellent purchase for anyone curious about their ethnic heritage. They’re safe and easy to use, and they offer a fun way to explore one’s ethnic, geographical and historical origins. Dr. Michael Huynh, board-certified internal medicine hospitalist and BestReviews medical expert, weighs in on DNA tests, including which ones are the best.
In this article: AncestryDNA and Traits Testing Kit, 23andMe Health and Ancestry Service Testing Kit and AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test.
DNA is the building block of life and determines a person’s physiological attributes. DNA ancestry tests extract genealogical information, which can then be used to analyze a person’s historical, geographical and ethnic origins.
DNA tests are easy to use and don’t require any fancy equipment. Most DNA testing kits require you to swab the inside of your mouth, seal the swab in an airtight container and ship it to a lab where the exciting part happens. DNA testing products include instructions, shipping materials and containers for samples.
According to Huynh, genealogical information is extracted from the saliva sample, which contains a DNA strand that’s subsequently amplified and matched to existing information in a database. If a strand of DNA fits with trends in the database, experts can draw conclusions about historical, geographical and ethnic background.
The most popular DNA tests have a 99% accuracy, and although there are no guarantees, it is safe to assume that any findings regarding ethnic heritage are accurate. The larger the database, the more samples there are to work with, which increases accuracy.
DNA tests are meant to be used recreationally by anyone curious about their ethnic heritage. They can also help determine if an individual is predisposed to illnesses or medical conditions based on their background.
However, it’s important to note that consumer DNA tests shouldn’t be treated as a professional medical diagnosis of any condition. Those who want to learn if they’re prone to certain medical conditions can do so, but if there’s any doubt about health, Huynh strongly recommends consulting a physician.
The two main things to look for in a quality DNA test are accuracy and a fast turnaround time. Most of the best tests take four to six weeks to deliver results that are 99% accurate, but some take as long as eight weeks.
The most basic tests will give you information about your ethnic background, but extensive kits can provide thorough reports on traits and attributes. Plus, some DNA tests let you map out your family tree and connect with other users who are subscribed to premium services.
AncestryDNA and Traits Testing Kit
Huynh strongly recommends AncestryDNA because it has the largest database of any consumer DNA testing kit and offers accurate results. It’s easy to use with simple step-by-step instructions, and users typically get results in six to eight weeks. Plus, the Traits kit lets users explore over 35 traits that influence characteristics.
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23andMe Health and Ancestry Service Testing Kit
23andMe is the other DNA test kit Huynh recommends. Although the database isn’t as extensive as AncestryDNA’s, 23andMe provides insights about characteristics and health gathered from genetic data and delivers results in five to six weeks.
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AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test
This test offers in-depth geographical and historical insights and SideView technology that shows which ethnicities are derived from each parent. It’s one of the more affordable Ancestry DNA testing kits and a great gift for anyone curious about their ethnic heritage.
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Those looking for additional insights on health and ethnic origins will love this testing kit. The reports generated estimate ancestry from over 2,000 geographic regions, and a timeline shows where and when ancestors lived. Plus, over 30 reports indicate how your genetic traits are unique.
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This test kit covers 42 ethnicities and pinpoints geographical origins. It offers a fast turnaround time of just three to four weeks for results, and users can subscribe to a MyHeritage plan to build a family tree and discover family history.
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Vitagene Health and Ancestry DNA Test Kit
This is one of the more affordable DNA tests, but it offers a thorough breakdown of characteristics relating to health, weight, nutrition, fitness and more. Users get an email when the results are ready and can view their reports online.
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This kit offers seven DNA tests in one, details your genetic profile and matches it to more than 400 reports related to medical predispositions. Plus, users can ask doctors and experts questions about their results.
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With interactive tools to track lineage and determine family connections, this is a popular pick and an excellent gift idea for anyone curious about their ethnic background. The Chromosome Painter lets users paint genome segments to see their geographical origins.
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AncestryDNA Genetic Ethnicity Test and 3-Month Ancestry World Explorer Membership
This bundle comes with the accurate AncestryDNA testing kit and a three-month Ancestry World Explorer Membership for access to all records, family trees and ancestry hints on Ancestry and connecting with millions of other members worldwide.
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TellmeGen DNA Test Advanced Family Kit
If you want to gift a family a DNA testing kit, this bundle comes with three tests and offers results on health susceptibilities and personalized genetic reports. Plus, users can get insights into their maternal and paternal lineage and Neanderthal DNA.
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
