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A genetic test, in the context of this post, is the study of all or part of an individual’s genome to determine anything from their genetic predisposition to diseases, their genome, and disease risks, to their ancestry. What started in 1980 with the initial goal of being used in forensic investigations has now expanded to include dozens of options and features.
That’s why there are currently so many different genetic tests on the market, each varying depending on their main objective.
To keep things simple, in this post, when we talk about genetic tests, we’ll be referring to those sold directly to consumers. These are genetic tests that do not require a prescription, medical authorization for purchase, or a healthcare professional to collect the sample.
What information does an advanced genetic test provide?
Genetic tests provide access—surprise!—to a person’s genetic information. Depending on the test’s objective, it will focus on different genetic variants.
An ancestry test, for example, won’t necessarily examine the same genes as a test focused solely on detoxification cycles.
Classifying the information they provide can be tricky due to the wide variety of tests available. There are dozens, even hundreds, of different genetic tests. Generally speaking, they can be divided into the following categories:
- Health and disease risk. These are genetic health tests. They can be further divided into two branches: monogenic conditions and complex conditions. The first involves a single gene and differentiates between healthy individuals, carriers, and those affected by the disease. It can also predict whether the condition will be passed down to offspring. The second deals with risks, and many of the results are also heavily influenced by environmental factors. Genetic compatibility tests would also fall under this category.
- Ancestry. Based on specific genetic variants, known through the study of reference populations, these tests provide estimates of an individual’s ethnicity and lineage.
- Kinship. These tests determine whether two or more people are biologically related, and if so, what degree of kinship they share. Paternity tests are the most obvious example.
- Lifestyle. These tests offer information about nutrition, sleep cycles, or energy efficiency. The results are related to the individual’s health but do not detect or study diseases. Genetic tests performed by professional athletes would fall into this category.
- Physical characteristics. These tests have no clinical or familial utility, and their results are geared toward entertainment and curiosity. This category includes harmless results such as eye and hair color or earlobe shape.
- Pharmacogenetics. The most recent category, this type of test studies the individual’s personal response to different medications.
These categories are not mutually exclusive. In fact, tellmeGen is an example of a genetic test that includes all these categories in its Advanced range.
What to consider if we decide to take a genetic test
- One of the advantages of these genetic tests is that users do not need permission or help from a healthcare professional to purchase and use them. At the same time, this could be considered a disadvantage. Therefore, users should ensure that the test they choose includes the option for personalized genetic counseling in the product. This service is useful both before and after receiving the results. It can help you decide which test is the most suitable for your needs and maximize the value of the results.
- The reviews from other people are also important. If you’ve bought on Amazon, you already know the basic rules for recognizing a good review. There should be enough reviews to be reliable, and they should be recent. In a field as dynamic as genetics, five years can bring significant changes.
- Read what each genetic test offers. It’s a very diverse field, and people have different interests. Wanting to know your ancestry because your ancestors were migrants is not the same as wanting to know your genetic predisposition to cancer due to a family history of risk.
- Make sure you’re buying the kit from a trusted source. Use official channels and platforms or trusted distributors. We can tell you right now that genetic tests aren’t something you can buy second-hand.
- The sections and results offered should come from real and validated sources. There should be a bibliography and referenced sources. The labs must comply with the relevant regulations. These companies are usually made up of multidisciplinary teams.
- Check the privacy and security conditions. In many countries, an individual’s genetic information is personal and private. A company that follows these policies ensures that your data will never be used by third parties without your consent.
tellmeGen, the best example of a well-made offer
If we know so much about what a genetic test should offer, it’s because we meet all these conditions.
We have learned over more than ten years of experience what users should expect from a functional genetic test.
We’ll try to keep it short, and we’ll summarize why we are the perfect example of a well-done genetic test:
- No one comes close to us in terms of the amount of information and cost. We are the most cost-effective test, and we have a range of products depending on what you’re looking for.
- Genetic counseling is available. We offer our own genetic consulting services. Also, our website is full of resources and information. Just in case, we also have excellent customer service through multiple communication channels.
- We stay up-to-date, but don’t worry, it won’t cost you extra.
- All our sources are publicly available, and we maintain an absolute transparency policy. Our methodology and collaborators, including the laboratory, are well-known.
- Transparency in everything except user data. We ensure complete privacy and security with your information.
Genetic tests and the society of the future
Genetic tests have a collective and social function, beyond their individual utility. Providing this information to the population means not only a step forward in personal health but also in how the population understands the importance of genetics.
Society’s acceptance of genetic testing as a normal part of health routines opens the door to personalized medicine.
Just as blood tests began as diagnostic tools and are now accepted as annual checkups, other protocols that are currently seen as surprising will eventually be incorporated into people’s medical histories. Their ability to detect diseases early compared to any other study is indisputable.
At tellmeGen, we work to ensure our clients feel supported at all times, both before and after purchasing the test. We want them to see it not as an unusual or strange product, but as a helpful tool in understanding who they are.
That’s why we want you to learn more about us and our tellmeGen genetic test. Looking is free, and getting our services is priceless.
