How to Get Personal DNA Analysis

DNA research advances have led to technology that can do more than place a criminal at the scene of a crime. Personal DNA testing and analysis can reveal various genetic diseases you may have, develop or be a carrier for, including rheumatoid arthritis, hemochromatosis and Parkinson's disease. It can also reveal the countries or regions of origin of both your maternal and paternal ancestors. Personal DNA analysis can ease your curiosity about your genetic background or your potential future in terms of health.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide whether you want to have your DNA tested to reveal your ancestry, your potential health problems or both. If you want to know your ancestry, also decide whether you want to know about both your maternal line and your paternal line, or whether you're only curious about one.

• 2

  Figure out how detailed and accurate you wish your results to be. In some cases, you'll be able to choose from kits that analyze different numbers of markers. The more markers analyzed, the more accurate the results will be---but the cost generally rises along with the accuracy.

• 3

  Choose a company to do your DNA analysis for you. A simple Internet search for personal DNA analysis will bring up several results for you to choose from. Some only offer health testing, others only offer ancestry testing and some provide both. Some DNA testing companies are scams, according to Seamas Brennan, doctoral student of history and genetics at the University of College Cork. He recommends doing as much research as possible on each company and trying to find reviews by prior users before selecting one.

• 4

  Request the applicable test kit from the company of your choice.

• 5

  Provide a DNA sample as requested by the instructions that come with a kit. This sample varies from company to company, but usually involves spitting into a container or swabbing the inside of your cheek.

• 6

  Return the test kit to the DNA testing company. The directions in the kit will explain how to seal the sample and return it to the company. The time you will wait for your results varies, but usually ranges from two to four weeks.