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A popular gift these days for birthdays and the holidays is a DNA test. Buying a DNA test as a gift is a great idea, but there are some things you should know before you choose one.
Not All DNA Tests Are Created Equal
The most popular DNA testing companies are 23andMe, MyHeritage, LivingDNA, and AncestryDNA. These companies are known for bringing family members together and helping people learn about their ethnicity and family history. They also offer some health information based on DNA data, such as likelihood of certain conditions.
The genetic information offered by these kits is accurate, but there is a way to learn even more with more comprehensive DNA testing. Whole genome sequencing tests the entire genome, providing a vastly more complete picture of a person's genetics than standard genotyping tests, which analyze less than 0.1% of the genome.
Comprehensive DNA testing is especially relevant today as the field of genomics has contributed to understanding why some people respond differently to illness, including research showing that specific genes can shed light on why some people are asymptomatic while others experience more severe symptoms.
Choosing the Best DNA Test as a Gift
When choosing a DNA test as a gift, consider what your loved one is most interested in. If they are primarily interested in ancestry and family history, a genotyping test from companies like AncestryDNA or 23andMe may be a good starting point. If they want the most comprehensive genetic picture available including health risk screening, pharmacogenomics, and ancestry, whole genome sequencing from Sequencing is the better choice.
Sequencing's whole genome sequencing reads 100% of your DNA across over 30,000 genes, providing the most complete genetic analysis available at $399. It gives your loved one far more information than standard ancestry kits and access to a growing range of health, wellness, and ancestry apps through the Partner Marketplace.
The Value You Give to Loved Ones
When you buy a DNA test as a gift, you are giving the person far more than a kit. You are giving them a wealth of information about their ethnic background, health, wellness, longevity, medication response, and much more. This is especially true if the person uploads their raw genetic data to Sequencing to use the analysis apps available through the Partner Marketplace.
The genetic information your gift recipient receives can be used for the rest of their life. A person's genetic makeup never changes, so any of the reports they receive will be valid now and many years into the future.
Healthcare professionals, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies are using DNA analysis reports more and more because of the value they offer in treating conditions. Pharmacogenomics, the study of genetics and medications, has been able to identify the best medications for people suffering from many different health conditions with low risk of side effects. The FDA supports the use of genetic tests in healthcare for many medical conditions and continues to work with researchers to advance how DNA analysis can help prevent and treat health concerns.
A Gift for All Ages
DNA tests make a meaningful gift for people of all ages. Children can be tested with parental consent, providing valuable early health information. Adults and seniors can use the results to make more informed decisions about their health throughout their lives.
The process for using a DNA test kit is simple. The kit includes everything needed to collect a DNA sample. The sample is mailed to the lab and the recipient is notified when their results are ready. Activation takes just a few minutes when the kit arrives.
If you have been considering buying a DNA test as a gift, it is a genuinely thoughtful choice. Your loved one may discover a distant relative, uncover a predisposition to a health concern they can address early, or simply learn fascinating things about their ancestry and genetic makeup. It is the type of gift that keeps delivering value year after year.
Learn more about whole genome sequencing from Sequencing or let your gift recipient upload existing DNA data for free to get started.