Which Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Test to Choose?

Due to the collapse of the price of genetic testing and the FDA’s gradual ease of the regulatory environment, direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing companies are booming. You can inquire your deoxyribonucleic acid about your ancestry, health risks, metabolism, and some start-ups even promise you to find true love or your kids’ talents. As the jungle of DTC companies is getting denser, more and more people ask me which genetic tests are worth the try. They love the possibility of getting access to their DNA but don’t know where to start. Here’s the DTC genetic testing kick-starter package! Navigating through the genetic testing jungle Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, the cost of genome sequencing started to free-fall. The undertaking cost approximately $2.7 billion for the US government, while currently, you can order your whole genome sequence online for about $400-500! Moreover, in January 2017, DNA sequencing giant Illumina unveiled a new machine that the company says is “expected one day” to order up your whole genome for less than $100. It would mean that you might have a cheaper genetic test than a general blood test. The rapid revaluation shows the fast development of technology – not only regarding the methods for genome sequencing but also making genetic tests widely available to the public. Currently, you can order a testing kit online, send back your cheek swab to the company, and you will get your results back in a couple of w...
Source: The Medical Futurist - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Genomics 23andme ancestry DNA DTC future genetic test Genetic testing genetics Genome genome sequencing Health 2.0 Source Type: blogs