4 Precautions Before Ordering a DNA Testing Kit Online
So, as things stand right now, you saw an ad or a video talking about the readily available DNA test kits, and the kind of information they can reveal about you, and now you are excited to order one too. While the idea of knowing more about yourself is interesting as it is exciting, things may not be all good news when taking such tests. There may be aspects of these tests that you are not aware of. There may be outcomes because of you taking the test that you are not prepared for.
The best thing to do when trying anything new is to gain as much knowledge about what it is you are trying, and collect as much information before you make a commitment. When it comes to DNA testing, there can be many things that you are not aware of, or things you have not considered. While what you find is motivation enough for you to try them, it is better to have the answers to the following aspects of taking a DNA test before you order your DNA test kit online.
1. Everything has its limits
The great thing about marketing is that it has the potential to sell a comb to a bald person. The same rules apply to marketing DNA test kits too. Make sure you know the limits of what is possible with an online DNA test kit. A claim saying that the DNA test kit can trace back your ancestry can be trusted if the DNA kit supplier has decent reviews. But no matter how good the reviews are, any DNA kit supplier making claims such as finding the best career for the kids or the best wine for your taste buds should not be trusted. To put it simply, a DNA test kit is not a magic tool. Remember that it can only tell you about things that science really can. Do not be disappointed with the results for anything else.
2. Are you prepared for the results
A DNA test kit has the potential to reveal a lot more than what you may be ready for. Do you think you will be able to handle the news which tells you about a sibling or other family members that you are currently not aware of? Will be you be the right frame of mind to handle the news about some genetically transmitted disease that your ancestors suffered from? Based on your genetics, the DNA test kits can even reveal how likely you are to suffer from breast and ovarian cancer. All this may come as a big shock to you if you are not aware of what the test can reveal or if you are not prepared for any kind of troubling discovery.
3. Does the company offer more help?
God forbid your test results come back with some troubling news. Does the company offer you any additional help in terms of recommended doctors or counselling sessions? Also, some other parts of the results may be too complex to be medically correctly interpreted by the DNA test suppliers. In this case, you will surely need the help of an expert to learn more about your situation. Make sure you have considered all of these before you buy your DNA test kit online.
4. Will your DNA data be shared?
Some DNA test kit providers offer you the choice of sharing information about you in case they come across another DNA sample that they think belongs to a member of the same family. Would you be willing to share your information? Also, it is advisable to ask the DNA kit supplier about their information sharing policies before you send them your DNA samples so there are no unpleasant surprises in the future.
In short, as exciting as taking a DNA test sounds, make sure you know all about it before you opt for it.
