Expert Guide to Your First DNA Testing Kit

There are many things you can discover through the genes; from getting an idea of possible health risks based on faulty genes in the cells to your ancestry. While some people are bold enough to take these tests without asking questions, it is important to understand the risks and benefits. With a DNA testing kit, you can get answers to all your questions. Most of these tests are ordered online. As easy as it can sound, the following are five things you need to know before undertaking any tests. 

Know the limits

To attract as many clients as possible, some online DNA testing companies may fail to explain the science behind their claims. It is true that a proper cannabis DNA test, for example, can help you understand how your body will respond to different cannabis strains, the accuracy of some companies can be questioned. There are however some baseless claims that you need to watch out for. So far, there is no scientific evidence that shows anyone can determine if red or white wine is good for you, or if your children will be amazing athletes. Unfortunately, some people are eager to discover as much as possible about themselves and their offspring that they don’t mind spending money on unjustified tests. 

Have an open mind

There are currently many products in the market that can indeed help you understand your DNA. It is always advisable to understand the fact that DNA replication is a complex process, and the results can go either way. Don’t fix your mind to a specific outcome. Furthermore, some people go searching for different information, only to discover more. For example, you might be taking a paternity test, only to discover that you are at risk of suffering from some lifetime diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Such information can be distressing if you are not prepared for it. Some of these additional tests can be availed at an extra fee, but you have to be sure that you are ready to deal with whatever outcome that may come your way. 

Follow ups a must

Assuming you have successfully conducted a DNA test only to turn out that you indeed have a faulty gene in your cells and therefore at risk of some medical complications, don’t end up there. Some people get stressed out that they forget to do the right thing, which is to seek medical advice from a qualified doctor. Some genetic reports can be complicated and difficult for you to comprehend. While you can research online to understand the full impact of the faulty gene, a doctor will help you know better. Some DNA testing kit companies may offer additional medical counselling, but others don’t. 

Don’t forget the insurance

While you absolutely have no control over DNA replication and other biological processes, you should be in a position to make decisions regarding how the outcome of these tests will affect your insurance premiums. Even though in some countries the outcome of genetic tests cannot affect your health insurance, some life insurance companies will definitely use the same against you. In fact, failure to disclose these results at the time of application may affect your cover. You therefore have to be careful, and find out from the insurance company what applies and under what circumstances. It doesn’t matter whether the scientific evidence presented is not concrete. 

Are you ready to share the outcome? 

Some tests such as cannabis tests are not as sensitive, there are some that can make or break families such as paternity tests. While it is important to emphasize the need for privacy, some companies may breach this. There have been cases of some companies retains test results without informing their customers, instead of destroying the same. Unfortunately, there is no way one can tell whether the results have been destroyed or not. In fact, some companies have been accused of selling these information to interested third parties. You must therefore ensure that the contract is rock-solid on privacy. 

Conclusion 

It is easy to assume that it is as fast and easy as acquiring a DNA testing kit from a company, but it is more complicated than that. You must keep your expectations low, and watch out for misleading information some of these labs may share. Tests about your lifestyle such as cannabis DNA are as important as any other tests you can take. Just ensure that you emphasize on the need for utmost privacy and precision of the test results.