Common Misconceptions About DNA Testing
A DNA test can reveal a lot you may not have known about yourself. It can be a great way to find out more about the journey your ancestors took across the globe. It can tell you important information about your body that you can use to live a healthier lifestyle. It can reveal details about your body type that can help you choose the products that will help you look and feel your best. There are so many stories locked within your DNA that are just waiting for you to discover them. However, you may be reluctant to use one. That could be because you believe one of the many misconceptions about DNA testing. If that’s the case, read on to find out why the truth about DNA testing is different than you might think.
- Misconception No.1: You need to give blood. Most people are not crazy about needles — for good reason. This may be a big part of the reason why they don’t want to take a DNA test. However, most at-home DNA test kits don’t require a blood sample. Rubbing a cotton swab on the inside of your cheek can provide enough DNA to complete a test, so there’s no need to worry about sticking yourself.!
- Misconception No. 2: Testing your DNA makes it public information. Some people may be reluctant to have a DNA test done because they’re afraid their genetic information could become a matter of public record. This is far from the truth, however. Most at-home DNA tests send you results in the form of a password-protected online link. Further, your information remains encrypted until you access it with the password only you have. There also are federal laws in place protecting your genetic information from being disclosed to anyone you don’t want to have access to it.
- Misconception No. 3: Only men can take DNA tests Although it’s true that there are certain DNA tests that can be taken only by people with a Y chromosome, there are many other types of DNA tests that can be taken by men and women, because the information they test is found on non-sex chromosomes.
- Misconception No. 4: Results come back within hours. On TV criminal investigation shows, DNA tests seem to take almost no time to uncover results, but that’s only because no one wants to watch people waiting for test results to came back from the lab. In reality, lab work takes time, and that’s a good thing for anyone hoping for accurate results. Accredited DNA labs take their time to confirm that the work they do is checked and double-checked thoroughly to ensure the most accurate results. This means that the results of most at-home DNA tests can be seen within two to three weeks, in many cases.
Don’t let these misconceptions keep you from learning more about yourself with a DNA test. Browse HomeDNA’s selection of easy-to-use, accurate home DNA test kits and find the one that will unlock the story about yourself you want told.
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