Ancestry vs. 23andMe: Which is the best DNA testing kit for you?

I attempted the AncestryDNA equipment, which comes with a saliva assortment tube and cap, a recycling bag and a pay as you go recycling label field. To register the equipment, I downloaded the Ancestry app and scanned the barcode on the aspect of the gathering tube. You may as well register your equipment on-line by manually getting into the quantity.

While you create an account, the app asks in your consent to various issues, together with consent to the processing of your pattern, consent to the storage of your pattern if you wish to take a look at it sooner or later, and consent to take part in analysis. AncestryDNA mentioned the analysis will probably be used to raised perceive human historical past and well being.

I refuse to consent to the storage of my samples or participation in analysis. AncestryDNA will ask some questions on your well being historical past. You possibly can edit what info on the location turns into public or non-public, and the way you need it to be exhibited to different customers in case your DNA matches another person. You’ll have a possibility to overview all info earlier than continuing.

Learn extra: Sooner or later, even your DNA will now not be sacred

Ancestry would not use the usual Y chromosome and/or mitochondrial DNA strategies utilized by most others, so we all know little or no about the way it really analyzes DNA.

After spitting within the tube, I mailed the equipment and confirmed it was despatched within the app. The app “tracked” the equipment from receipt within the lab to processing earlier than telling me the outcomes had been prepared.

Your outcomes will embody AncestryHealth studies and Ethnicity Estimate studies. AncestryDNA may even let you know which different customers have a detailed match in your DNA. It labels my aunt (who additionally makes use of the location) as a “shut household”. The app allowed me to match our race estimates and gave me the choice to ship her a message.

Learn extra: AncestryDNA taught me about DNA, privateness, and the advanced world of genetic testing

benefit:

• You possibly can refuse to have your pattern saved or take part in analysis.
• AncestryHealth studies are divided into vital well being outcomes, well being outcomes, and wellness outcomes. These studies embody info on most cancers threat, provider standing for illnesses resembling cystic fibrosis, and blood well being.
• Well being studies offer you details about vitamin ranges and extra.
• AncestryHealth can flag potential well being circumstances primarily based in your shared household historical past or variants detected in DNA samples.
• you get a Race Assessment Reportwhich exhibits which areas of the world your ancestors are most definitely to have connections to. This space on the map, in addition to different areas associated to my DNA, are color-coded. The AncestryDNA zone checklist comprises over 1,000 zones that your pattern will probably be examined for, so you may also see the place your DNA isn’t displaying outcomes.

shortcoming:

• The family tree aspect and the DNA aspect require two separate functions. If you happen to work in a browser, the desktop model retains the whole lot in a single place.
• Well being screenings usually are not authorized by the Meals and Drug Administration.

I attempted the Well being and Ancestry Equipment, which comes with a saliva assortment tube and lid, a return bag, and a pay as you go return label field. Like AncestryDNA, 23andMe requires equipment registration (in-app or on-line) earlier than testing. I downloaded the app and scanned the barcode on the aspect of the gathering tube. You may as well enter the code manually.

After I signed up for an account, the 23andMe suite requested for consent for a number of issues, identical to AncestryDNA does. I can retailer samples for future testing, take part in research, get well being studies, and be capable of share my step information from the health app to get a extra full image of my exercise. I declined the whole lot besides the well being report.

In contrast to Ancestry, 23andMe Do It’s FDA authorized as a threat screening software for a number of genetic circumstances and illnesses. If you happen to’re primarily enthusiastic about a DNA take a look at for this goal, 23andMe is a better option.

The app tracked my pattern’s journey to the lab and the DNA extraction course of. The appliance was examined on 216 teams to generate the report.

23andMe can show the ends in a timeline, so you possibly can see what number of generations in the past your most up-to-date ancestor got here from in every area. For instance, my outcomes present a little bit of Ashkenazi Jewish background, however my timeline means that relative could have lived 5 to eight generations in the past. You may as well view the outcomes as a chromosome portray, which exhibits the place a selected area is matched within the chromosome and the way frequent it’s.

There are numerous features to discover within the outcomes. For instance, 23andMe gave me extra details about every area of my DNA that matched. If I click on on every nation’s icon, 23andMe tells me the historical past of the realm and the migration patterns of individuals over time, together with assets for understanding the tradition, methods to e book an Airbnb go to, and different options. I used to be additionally capable of seek for attainable kinfolk amongst 23andMe customers and located my mom’s cousin.

benefit:

• 23andMe is FDA authorized as a threat screener.
• 23andMe’s well being studies embody predispositions, provider standing, well being circumstances, traits and well being motion plans. Susceptibility to Parkinson’s illness, sort 2 diabetes, celiac illness and extra was examined. The lab will take a look at for sure genetic variations.
• The well being report consists of some attention-grabbing objects resembling whether or not you’re a deep sleeper, how a lot chances are you’ll transfer throughout your sleep, genetic weight and different elements.
• The reported options are notably attention-grabbing. These element how doubtless I’m to have a sure eye shade, hate cilantro, have freckles, hate the sound of consuming, be extra more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes and different issues.

shortcoming:

• Like AncestryDNA, 23andMe explicitly states that take a look at outcomes usually are not a analysis and don’t assure that you’ll not be recognized with a illness later.