Home DNA tests are an accessible way to gain an extensive understanding of your heritage, family history and diaspora.
Tests are becoming increasingly affordable and genetic databases are expanding every day, giving you a chance to discover your roots without costing an arm and a leg.
Will you uncover your family’s deepest darkest secrets? A DNA sample can delineate one’s ethnicity, ancestral migrations, extended family and DNA matches. How? DNA testing, or genetic ancestry testing, involves the comparison of DNA belonging to an individual with other DNA submitted from people across the globe.
It’s typically conducted for mitochondrial DNA and is analysed via state-of-the-art technology. Following the test, you will receive a detailed genetic picture of who you really are using information plucked from the testing company’s existing database.
As humans, we are intrinsically curious creatures. Wanting to explore more about ourselves is natural and while these tests may initially seem trivial, there are certain points to flag before merrily sending off your saliva in return for some potentially very unexpected results.
All families have a skeleton or two in their closet. The uncle you thought was your uncle? Actually not. Your grandmother? Wasn’t born where she said she was. It might not quite be Eastenders, but taking one of these tests may just let the cat out of the bag in one way or another. Take it from this writer’s personal experience.
There is also the possibility of unearthing genetic health conditions. Some have taken DNA tests out of sheer curiosity to discover they are prone to severe illnesses entwined within their family history. Depending on your outlook, this could be a life-saving or life-shattering concept. You best be mentally prepared.
Yet DNA testing can also be an exciting, illuminating affair. There is potential for sourcing family you didn’t know existed, meticulously mapping your ancestors’ pan-global movements and feeling closer to lost loved ones than ever before.
How long does a DNA test take?
It depends on which company you order your DNA test from. For example, AncestryDNA takes up to eight weeks from the date the laboratory receives your sample to process results, while other DNA tests such as paternity tests can take from 3-5 days.
How does DNA testing work?
You can learn about your family history with just a small saliva sample. Once the lab receives your sample, it will extract the DNA and your genetic information is analysed and compared to the existing DNA database of people from around the world. This way, your family trees are mapped, in addition to personality traits, family diaspora and ethnicities.
Can you get a DNA test while pregnant?
Yes, DNA testing can be performed at any point during pregnancy. Providing a blood or saliva sample via swab will not affect your baby.
How accurate are the results of DNA tests?
Again, this depends on which test you take. AncestryDNA notes that during its testing process, each DNA sample is held to a quality standard of at least a 98 per cent call rate and any results that don't meet that standard may require a new DNA sample to be collected. Likewise, 23AndMe says that its reports are 99 per cent accurate. These percentages are often stated on the company’s website.
Is my data safe?
It’s understandable to be concerned about data privacy when it comes to DNA testing. The key is to check each individual company's website for the small print. Three of the biggest names in home DNA tests are 23andMe, AncestryDNA and MyHeritage, and each company states their privacy policies and specific instructions on their website.
These specific three companies offer the ability to delete your data from the database in the future. However, it's important to know what you’re agreeing to before carrying out a DNA test.
For example, AncestryDNA confirms that:
- The results of your DNA test are stored in a secured database: your AncestryDNA results are stored in a secured database, which employs a number of security measures. As well as protecting the information from unauthorised access from those outside of AncestryDNA, we strictly limit access to this database from within the company as well.
- The lab processing your DNA doesn't have access to your name, address and other contact information: DNA samples are tested in a secure third-party testing lab in the United States. We separate your name from your DNA sample throughout the testing process. Instead, we use a unique Activation Code provided in your kit to track your DNA through the testing process and in storage.
- Your DNA sample is securely stored. After testing is complete, any remaining DNA from your test is archived and stored in a temperature-controlled, secure facility with 24-hour monitoring and limited access.
- The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA): United States law (the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act or “GINA”) generally makes it illegal for health insurance companies, group health plans, and most employers to discriminate against you based on your genetic information.
With all that in mind, if you’re still intrigued by an unembellished version of your family history, look no further as we have rounded up the best DNA tests for you to peruse. Come rain or shine, long lost sibling or fiery affair, there’s never a dull moment with one of these in tow. At the end of the day, it’s all for the plot, right?
Shop below
Best ancestry DNA tests at a glance:
- Best for health analysis: 23andMe DNA Test - £159, Amazon
- Best for expansive database: AncestryDNA Test - £89, Ancestry
- Best for fitness fanatics: Bio-Synergy DNA Testing Kit - £149.99, Very
- Best for budget: MyHeritage DNA Test - £35, MyHeritage
- Best for tracing British and Irish ancestry: Living DNA Test - £79, Living DNA
23andMe DNA Test
Best for: health analysis
Product spec:
Method of test: saliva-based
Timescale for results: 4-5 weeks
Perhaps the most instantly recognisable of the DNA Tests, 23andMe offers a deep dive into your family history. The main benefit of opting for this brand is that the test provides an accurate health analysis. The wellness reports also details your carrier status, to see if you are a carrier for genetic variants linked to inherited illnesses.
Fellow needle-phobes, you can relax as no pricking or prodding is required. The kit is saliva-based, so all you have to do is spit into the provided tube, register your kit using the barcode, and return the sample back to the company’s lab with a pre-paid package. Results take 4-5 weeks to come back.
Buy now £159.00, Amazon
AncestryDNA Test
Best for: expansive database
Product spec:
Method of test: saliva-based
Timescale for results: 6-8 weeks
If you’ve ever been curious about your family history, you may have ended up on Ancestry. The website is immensely popular for piecing together family narratives. Ancestry offers one autosomal test and claims to have more than 20 million participants in their database.
The website offers three sets of memberships, AncestryDNA, which allows you to discover your heritage, learn about your ancestors and find new family connections (£70), AncestryDNA + Membership, which offers a three-month worldwide family history membership (£80) and AncestryDNA + Traits, which features all that AncestryDNA offers, plus the chance to learn how your genes can influence your personal traits (£94). Trace relatives across the world and start expanding your family tree.
Buy now £89.00, Ancestry
Bio-Synergy DNA Testing Kit
Best for: fitness fanatics
Product spec:
Method of test: saliva-based
Timescale for results: 18 days
The Bio-Synergy DNA Testing Kit is another option for those with health concerns. The test has the ability to tell you about your health, athleticism, risks, diet and nutrition and can sync with any smart fitness devices you own to improve your lifestyle.
The package includes two tests and a lifetime subscription to the company’s app, which is compatible with both iPhones and Androids. Compared to other tests, results are speedy and take just 18 days to come back. The buyer will receive personalised genetic reports within 20 different categories and you can view results by simply logging into your profile on the Bio-Synergy app.
Buy now £149.99, Very
MyHeritage DNA Test
Best for: budget
Product spec:
Method of test: saliva-based
Timescale for results: 3-4 weeks
MyHeritage DNA Test is an affordable option for those on the hunt for something more purse-friendly. Find new relatives, your ethnic group and geographic region for just £35. Like Ancestry, MyHeritage allows users to curate an intricate family tree, yet doesn’t offer a health analysis like 23andMe or Bio-Synergy.
We’d recommend this package for those searching for a more basic experience with no risk of a possibly distressing health reveal.
Buy now £35.00, MyHeritage
Living DNA Test
Find My Past is ideal for those wanting to trace British or Irish ancestry. Rather than spitting, it requires the testee to use a swab. Like other websites, the brand offers an array of differently priced packages to invest in. The least expensive is the Your Ancestry kit (£55), followed by the Wellbeing kit (£69) and finally a combined Wellbeing and Ancestry kit (£89).
Depending on what kit you choose, you can receive percentage results for 80 regions including sub-regional ancestry breakdowns, detailed reports, maternal and paternal haplogroups dating back 80,000 years and family matching opportunities. Wellbeing reports further include 10+ endurance response, flexibility, lactose sensitivity and vitamin response.
Buy now £79.00, Living DNA
