Most of the time, genetic testing is done through healthcare providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, or genetic counselors. Healthcare providers determine which test is needed, order the test from a laboratory, collect the DNA sample, send the DNA sample to the lab for testing and interpretation, and share the results with the patient. Often, a health insurance company covers part or all of the cost of testing. This type of testing is known as clinical genetic testing.
Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is different: these genetic tests are marketed directly to customers via television, radio, print advertisements, or the Internet, and the tests can be bought online or in stores. After purchasing a test kit, customers send the company a DNA sample and receive their results directly from a secure website or app or in a written report. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing provides people access to their genetic information without necessarily involving a healthcare provider or health insurance company in the process.
Many companies currently offer direct-to-consumer genetic tests for a variety of purposes. The most popular tests use a limited set of genetic variations to make predictions about a certain aspects of health, provide information about common traits, and offer clues about a person’s ancestry. The number of companies providing direct-to-consumer genetic testing is growing, along with the range of health information provided by these tests. Because there is currently little regulation of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, it is important to assess the quality of available services before pursuing any testing.
Other names for direct-to-consumer genetic testing include DTC genetic testing, direct-access genetic testing, at-home genetic testing, and home DNA testing. Ancestry testing (also called genealogy testing) is also considered a form of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
Topics in the Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing chapter
- What is direct-to-consumer genetic testing?
- What kinds of direct-to-consumer genetic tests are available?
- What is genetic ancestry testing?
- What are the benefits and risks of direct-to-consumer genetic testing?
- How do I choose a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company?
- How is direct-to-consumer genetic testing done?
- How much does direct-to-consumer genetic testing cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
- What do the results of direct-to-consumer genetic testing mean?
- What can raw data from a direct-to-consumer genetic test tell me?
- Can a direct-to-consumer genetic test tell me whether I will develop cancer?
- Can a direct-to-consumer genetic test tell me whether I will develop Alzheimer's disease?
- What does it mean to have Neanderthal or Denisovan DNA?
- How do direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies protect their customers’ privacy?
- Can the results of direct-to-consumer genetic testing affect my ability to get insurance?
- Where can I read more about the diseases and traits covered in my direct-to-consumer genetic testing report?
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.