How Accurate is a Walgreens DNA Test?

Though a Walgreens test is appealing and seems easy and inexpensive, it isn't necessarily the best option out there. There are so many different at-home tests now that you want to make sure you are purchasing the one that best fits your needs.

DNA testing is still improving and many companies, including Walgreens, are jumping on the bandwagon to give people easy access to DNA testing kits. This may seem appealing, but if you are looking for more thorough results, Walgreens may not be the best direction to go.

DNA testing popularity has exploded in recent years, making genetic testing one of the most talked-about topics among friends, families, and communities across the world.

It's no surprise that DNA tests are in high demand. The things you learn from them are compelling:

• Family History and Ancestry: Modern DNA tests map your ancestral origins with remarkable precision, including where your ancestors came from and migration routes over generations.
• Health Insights: Whole genome sequencing can reveal genetic predispositions for a wide range of health conditions, helping you and your doctor make more informed decisions.
• Nutrition and Wellness: Your DNA can help you understand how your body processes nutrients, optimize your vitamin routine, and learn about traits inherited from your parents. It can also help you discover inherited disorders, genetic mutations, and much more.
• Community: Ancestry testing can connect you with relatives you didn't know you had and give you a deeper connection to your heritage.

What Does a Walgreens DNA Test Offer?

When you look at a company like Walgreens you will automatically think that as a large company they should have what you need. However, the options for DNA tests through Walgreens are very basic and provide limited data. They can give you some answers, but not all of them.

Walgreens currently offers a small number of test types including paternity tests and basic ancestry kits. These tests are designed for simple, single-purpose questions. If you want to understand your full genetic health picture, a basic retail DNA kit is not going to get you there.

What to Look For in a Quality DNA Test

The best DNA tests go beyond a basic percentage chart of where your ancestors are from. They provide meaningful context about how and when your ancestors migrated, enabling you to form a clearer, fuller picture of your family history.

When choosing a DNA company, look for true experts in the field of genetics rather than the loudest or most heavily marketed brand. You want highly qualified scientists and researchers handling your DNA. The best DNA companies are led by genetic experts with decades of experience in the field.

Experts are not only more knowledgeable about your DNA, they also tend to be far more responsible than companies that are simply looking to capitalize on consumer demand. These genetic specialists have dedicated their work to helping you find out the meaning behind your DNA.

How to Ensure Accurate DNA Test Results

The accuracy of any DNA test depends on a few key factors.

First, always follow the sample collection instructions that come with your test kit, whether it is a simple test like Walgreens or a more comprehensive test like Sequencing. If you turn in a contaminated sample, you may receive an inaccurate result.

Second, ensure that you are testing with an accredited laboratory. Many people choose the company offering the cheapest DNA tests, but sometimes these companies are not reliable. Do your research on the company first.

Finally, different DNA testing companies analyze different genetic variants. This can result in inaccurate tests if their database size is not large enough, giving them less data to base your results on. DNA is great for finding close family relations, but broader health and ancestry insights require a deeper reference database. Errors can be attributed to limited reference population databases.

Ready for More Than a Basic Test?

If you want basic information such as a paternity test, Walgreens is a straightforward option. But if you are looking for comprehensive health insights, advanced ancestry analysis, or genetic counseling, Sequencing is ready to help.

Sequencing's whole genome sequencing reads 100% of your DNA across over 30,000 genes, giving you the most complete genetic picture available from any at-home test. Order your whole genome sequencing kit today or upload your existing DNA data for free to get started.