[H]ow accurate are [direct-to-consumer] genetic tests? The truth is that testing runs the gamut of quality, ranging from medical-grade accuracy to total garbage. So how should you choose?
First, ask yourself what you are looking for in a DTC test: do you want medical information that can guide your management? Or simply recreational ancestry and ‘genutainment’? Are you willing to pay $70 or $1000 for that kit, or somewhere in between?
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If you are looking for general health information and you are willing to spend ~$1000, you can get a full genome sequence from several companies, including Full Genomes or Veritas.
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If you are looking for ancestry and/or recreational genetics, Ancestry.com (~$69) and 23andMe ($99 ancestry, $199 health + ancestry) are two popular options. Be sure to consider the pros and cons before ordering a kit.
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And then comes the dark side: Companies that have recently issued human reports on dog DNA or, even more worrisome, issued a full genetic report on a tap water sample. That’s right, tap water. The take away here: some DTC genetic tests are fraudulent, and consumers are being duped.
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[I]t is important for consumers to know that their DTC test may yield good information, limited information, or complete trash.Editor’s note: Ellen Matloff is a certified genetic counselor and president and CEO of My Gene Counsel
Read full, original post: How Accurate Is Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing? From Gold(ish) To Garbage
