If you’re considering purchasing a home DNA kit, you’re probably wondering how accurate they are. After all, these kits claim to be able to tell you everything from your ancestry to your health risks. So, what’s the truth?
The recent investigation by Jeff Rossen into the accuracy of home DNA kits
Jeff Rossen used identical triplet sisters as his test subjects. He found that out of the three sisters, one received completely different results from the other two. One sister was told she was of British and Irish descent, while the other two were told they were of Italian and Greek descent. He also found that one of the sisters was told she had a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, while the other two were not told this. So, what does this mean for the accuracy of home DNA kits? Learn more about DNA test kit HERE
Factors that can impact the accuracy of home DNA kits
One factor is the quality of the DNA sample. If the sample is of poor quality, it can impact the accuracy of the results. Another factor is the company that you purchase the kit from. Some companies are more accurate than others. Thirdly, your own personal DNA can also impact the accuracy of the results. For example, it may be harder for the kit to give accurate results if you have a rare genetic mutation.
Benefits of home DNA kits
In summary, even though home DNA kits are not 100% accurate, they still have some benefits. Firstly, they can give you a general idea of your ancestry. If you’re curious about your family history, a home DNA kit can give you a starting point to begin your research. Additionally, they can give you an idea of your health risks. Therefore, while the results should not be used to make major health decisions, they can give you an idea of what you may need to be aware of in the future. Learn more about DNA testing for siblings HERE
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