Personal Genomics
and Your Health

Personal Genomics is a new form of genetic testing that uncovers the personal health traits that you inherited from your ancestors.

Specifically, these DNA tests can measure your inherited risk for genetic disorders, your carrier status for diseases you could pass on to your children, and your likely response to certain drugs.

Home Test Kits

Several personal genomics companies sell testing services online. After placing your order, they send you a “spit kit.” Following their directions, you provide a saliva sample in a tube and mail it back to the company for analysis.

When the results of your personalized DNA test are ready, you can see them online at a password protected web site.

Your DNA Rights are Threatened

Like many other people, I believe that consumers have a right to know what’s in their own DNA. Learning about genes that increase your propensity for certain conditions can motivate people to make good lifestyle choices.

Others oppose direct-to-consumer genetic testing. They essentially believe people are too stupid to keep genetic information in perspective. Plus, the medical community has a financial interest in requiring a physician’s involvement in personal genomics.

The states of New York and Maryland have already made it illegal for genetic testing companies to mail these kits to state residents. If you are interested in personal gene testing, I urge you to order now before your rights are further restricted.

Keep Results in Perspective

Personal genomics companies provide a wealth of information on each condition. Plus, most offer free genetic counseling by telephone to help you understand your results.

If your DNA reflects a higher than average risk for a certain disease, there is no need to panic. Genetics only accounts for part of the risk. Other factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and obesity have a major influence for many conditions.

Just knowing you have that higher genetic risk can help you take more control over your health. Lifestyle changes may offset your genetic risk. Plus, personal genetic information allows you and your physician to choose and schedule screening tests more appropriately.

Likewise, you should not allow a lower-than-average risk to create a false sense of security. Again, genetics is only part of the big picture. But it’s an important part that you should know.

Where to Get the Tests

The following personal genomics companies are all worthy of consideration:

23andMe. This is the company I have used for myself and my family. So I know they do a excellent job of explaining each medical condition and the impact of your personal DNA results. They have recently upgraded to a new chip, which should provide even more medical information. They have also added a monthly subscription charge (12-month minimum) that you must continue if you want to receive NEW information.

Pathway Genomics. This company offers comprehensive health testing at a reasonable price. They were going to distribute test kits though Walgreens drug stores until the FDA objected.

deCODEme. Based in Iceland, this company has an excellent technical reputation. However, their prices tend to be the highest and their parent company is in bankruptcy.

Navigenics. I don’t know much about this company. They seem to be the second highest in price.

Should You Combine Health and Ancestry Testing?

Some of these companies include (or offer at additional cost) data on your Ancient Ancestry or some other genetic genealogy results discussed in my Family Trees section.

I recommend that most people keep these two kinds of tests separate. Choose the personal genomics company that offers the health tests you want. Then order genetic genealogy tests from a specialist in that field.

One possible exception is 23andMe. I have used their Relative Finder feature, which is similar to the Family Finder test at Family Tree DNA. The privacy requirements placed on all medical testing companies makes it more difficult to learn about or contact the people you match. But it can still be quite useful.

See my Autosomal DNA Comparison page to compare Relative Finder and Family Finder in detail.

Otherwise, the company I personally use for all my genetic genealogy tests is Family Tree DNA.

To learn why I recommend this company so highly, read my FTDNA Review.

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