In This Article
In This Article
The popularity of direct-to-consumer DNA testing kits has skyrocketed in the past few years.
For less than $100, people can know more about their ancestry. Additionally, they get information about their genetic risk for various health conditions.
Gone are the days when DNA testing or DNA sequencing cost $1 billion. As of 2020, almost 30 million people have taken a DNA test. The global market is expected to reach more than $600 million by 2026.
Despite the controversies that hound genetic testing, it holds mass appeal. But before buying a DNA testing kit, an informed decision is a must. You must be able to dig into your options thoroughly.
Nearly 30 million people have taken a DNA test.
A medical DNA test is more regulated than a number of home DNA tests.
It specifically tests for a wide range of genetic mutations. These genetic mutations are often associated with particular diseases and types of cancers.
A DNA test should allow you to discuss the results with a qualified professional. It should come with the test.
A medical DNA test involves formal genetic counseling and risk assessment before and after the test. Getting tested further won’t be necessary to confirm the results.
Your insurance most likely covers the testing costs, too, so you don’t have to spend anything out of pocket.
But not all DNA testing kits are created equal. A home DNA test or a direct-to-consumer test may require further testing. This is to confirm a mutation noted in the test.
A home DNA test tests for select mutations in a limited number of genes related to certain diseases. It is not like a medical DNA test.
It isn’t covered by insurance. A genetic counselor isn’t typically involved, either. What you get is often limited to online education.
Reading your results online can be challenging as well. You can easily misunderstand parts of the health reports.
For doctors and scientists to closely examine DNA, both tests will require the following:
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The evolution in DNA testing technology has promoted awareness of genetic diseases. Nearly a third of a poll’s respondents said that they or their family members have considered getting tested. This is because testing has become easier and cheaper.
A DTC or home DNA test kit can be effortlessly obtained and used. It doesn’t require approval from your health insurance company or healthcare provider.
While it isn’t a diagnostic test, people find out right away if the risk of having cancer is high. A home DNA test can also reveal if a person is at risk for Alzheimer’s and other illnesses.
DNA testing can be instrumental in helping people take the necessary steps to protect themselves and keep healthy.
A DNA test may be used in educating family members of potential health and genetic risks. This can help them make lifestyle changes if needed.
In-depth knowledge of your risk for diseases can be beneficial in a significant way. Knowing your risk is low equally provides a sense of relief from uncertainty.
It is important to note, however, that testing won’t eliminate your risks at all. But the information you get from a DNA test is essential. It will empower you to make informed lifestyle and medical changes. Seek help from a qualified health professional.
LifeDNA is a personal genomics company based in Hawaii, USA. It was founded in 2017 by Cyril Moukarzel, Jared Kushi, and Steve Markowitz.
LifeDNA uses a robust algorithm anchored on 600+ peer-reviewed scientific studies. It generates the following DNA reports:
LifeDNA, unlike other testing companies, goes beyond ancestry and disease risk. It ultimately recommends skincare products and nutritional supplements based on your DNA.
How does DNA testing at LifeDNA work?
Unlocking your DNA requires genomic analysis.
An organism’s genome holds the blueprint for building and maintaining that organism. In humans, every single cell in the body contains a copy of the entire genome. 3.2 billion DNA base pairs are residing in the chromosomes within the nucleus.
Genomic analysis refers to the process of identifying, measuring, and comparing features such as DNA sequence and gene expression at a genomic scale.
It involves three main steps:
Different methods and machines exist for sequencing genomes. The average sequencing project takes 3-7 days to complete, depending on the sample count.
LifeDNA Reports - $99
The results are generated instantly. Just upload your DNA from 23andMe, Ancestry, MyHeritage, Living DNA, and Family Tree DNA.
What’s included?
After submitting your raw DNA data, you get reports that include these traits:
1. Health and wellness- 22 traits
2. Personality & Cognition- 36 traits
3. Nutrition- 27 traits
4. Fitness - 24 traits
5. Skincare - 14 traits
6. Immunity & Vitamins (Supplements)- 34 traits
Other reports are also available:
7. Disease Predisposition-10 traits
In response to the pandemic, LifeDNA announced the availability of the Covid-19 Susceptibility Report.
9. Carrier Status - 11 traits
The Carrier Status report became available to LifeDNA customers in late 2020.
10. Fertility (exclusive to women) - 9 traits
It’s worth noting that the Fertility report, designed for women, only became available in May 2021.
LifeDNA Reports & DNA Test Kit - $199
Aside from the health report and other reports mentioned above, this plan includes a DNA Testing Kit from LifeDNA, which will cost $149.
How does it work?
It takes around two weeks to process your LifeDNA test results.
Platinum LifeDNA Membership - $60/year or $25/quarter
Platinum members of LifeDNA enjoy the following perks:
Personalized Supplements & Skincare Products
LifeDNA recommends natural, US-made skincare products and supplements based on your DNA reports. The prices vary from $39/mo for personalized supplements to $289 every three months for a Deluxe Beauty Box.
The decision to test your DNA comes with a cost and ideally involves endorsement and guidance from a professional.
This keeps anyone from making health-related choices based on inaccurate, incomplete, and misunderstood test results.
But if you’re worried about a particular ailment, get tested. This can eliminate uncertainty and identify family members who are also at risk. It may not predict the age of onset, but it can guide diagnostic tests and medical care.
Thus, paying $99 to get insight into your genetic risk for diseases can be a worthy investment. The cost is fair and competitive. You get in-depth reports and personalized beauty and nutrition recommendations.
While LifeDNA reviews are mostly positive, some DNA testing companies provide DNA analysis for free or at a lower price. However, they don’t come with personalized supplements or beauty products. Furthermore, their reports may not include the genetic traits that LifeDNA offers.
But if you’re looking for any alternatives to LifeDNA, these testing companies are worth checking out:
New research in genetics constantly evolves. The kind of DNA tests available today didn’t exist ten years ago. Even then, the advances in genetic testing played a role in diagnosing and treating certain diseases.
But other factors impact gene expression. This includes age, exposure to substances, and environmental influences. (LifeDNA points out that your results won’t be 100% accurate because of this.).
So as much as genetic testing can help in planning, it’s a bit premature to build solid plans around your DNA results.
Genetics is a vital piece of the jigsaw puzzle that makes up life, but it’s just one part of who you are.
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