DNA Tests at Home

Michelle Crouch wrote in May 2019 about DNA home tests:

1.       It’s a statistical guess based on a company’s database and the method used. For this reason, as more people are added to the database, the guess percentages change.

2.       If you are European, the guess is more precise. The more people are in the database from your specific ancestral home, the more accurate the test. Results from southern and eastern Europe aren’t as accurate. (according to Hank Greely)

3.       Native Americans or Black Americans cannot be told specifically what ancestral tribes they came from.

4.       Genetic abnormalities cannot be predicted with a home DNA test (40% of the time they are wrong). Certified labs can give more conclusive results for higher fees.

5.       Genetic DNA home tests can affect one’s ability to get insurance. An insurance offering you long-term care and life insurance are allowed by law in most states to ask for your DNA test results. It is thus a good idea to postpone the DNA test until insurance has been purchased.

6.       Police and other agencies do use family tree DNA databases to solve crimes.

7.       A relative’s DNA could make an innocent person a suspect in a crime.

8.       Genetic information can be sold to third parties for profit.

9.       Genealogy websites can and were hacked – private information of users was released.

10.   Diets based on genetic testing do not help people lose weight.

11.   Personality traits can be correctly predicted with DNA tests.

12.   Athletic ability cannot be predicted with DNA tests despite the claims.

13.   Family secrets may be revealed through a DNA test.  One may find a half-sister, half-brother or some other inconvenient truth.