The 8 Best Home DNA Tests
Editor's Notes
March 22, 2019:
While DNA testing is common when a child's true parentage is unknown, it's also a relatively up-and-coming way for people to figure out where they're really from. One initial word of caution, though: when you apply to have your genome matched with your ancestors, some form of your genetic information is invariably added to a large database, and having it removed can be a difficult or impossible process. A number of consumers, advocates, and legal professionals feel that this could lead to privacy issues down the road, as company policies and even laws aren't yet constructed to deal with the ownership of one's genetic information. With that said, AncestryDNA is by far the most well-known brand, and as such, their database is considerably larger than most, which could lead to the most accurate results. 23andMe takes a slightly different approach and aims to help warn you of possible hereditary health risks you may have. Color Genomics also offers a similar service, although it's not yet approved by the FDA for such purposes. The Native American Fingerprint is particularly interesting because many apparent descendants of indigenous peoples are somewhat in the dark as to the tribes they originated from. It also offers the neat (and totally optional) ability to share with you any historically famous heritage you may share, such as the King Tut or Yellow Emperor genes. When it comes to establishing direct familial ties, the STK is incredibly popular, and you'll get your results back pretty quickly in most cases. My Forever DNA is a another frequently chosen option, though it is pretty costly, and Identigene is one of the most widely available models. Do note, however, that its initial purchase price doesn't include all the lab fees. The Siblingship At Home product is useful in many cases where potential parents aren't around for some reason, and you want to determine the link between brothers and sisters. Also, take care to note that for legal purposes, a paternity test may require official interaction to hold weight in court, and also be aware that the laws in the state of New York are particularly restrictive, and many companies won't even ship their paternity testing products there.