Since the rise in popularity of at-home DNA testing kits, I have been intrigued at finding out more about myself. It all seems simple enough. You buy the kit, spit in a tube, and send the spit tube for processing with the promise of finding out more about your genetic and ethnic makeup. With the popularity of companies like CRI Genetics, you have options at your fingertips. Each company offers different results but there are 3 things you should know before taking an at-home DNA test.
Be Prepared for all Eventualities
DNA tests can tell you many things. From what health issues you may be at risk for to helping you discover members of your family that you didn’t know existed. While the latter can be a good thing for many and can help you find all the missing pieces in your family tree it can also be negative for some.
Whilst researching this article I read of a case where it was discovered that a woman’s father wasn’t her biological father though everyone in the family never suspected he wasn’t. This led to her parent’s divorce and estrangement between herself, her siblings, and their parents. Or this case, where the author found out he had a half-brother no one knew about.
This may not be the norm but it can happen and you should be prepared for it.
Another thing to take into account is what health issues you may be predisposed for. If your genetic testing reveals that you may have a high propensity to cancer, for example, you may have to make difficult decisions about how to go about things sooner than you may have expected.
Know That Your Life Insurance May Be Affected
Whilst your medical insurance policy shouldn’t be changed based on your DNA results, your life insurance policy can be affected. If you have had genetic testing, including from an at home DNA test kit, then you will need to disclose it if it is requested by your insurance company.
This may affect your premiums on life insurance as well as travel, disability, and income protection insurance.
Be Aware of What You Are Really Getting
No matter how advanced all this technology and science may seem it does have its limitations. Which means that you need to be realistic about what you’re going to find out from these types of tests. Did you know there are tests that claim to provide information on your sports abilities, for example? Or your wine preferences? Or even
If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
