24 and Me DNA Test: What to Know Before You Order
Searching for a “24 and Me” DNA test? You may mean 23andMe, a consumer genetic-testing service that analyzes a saliva sample and provides reports about ancestry, genetic relatives, and—depending on the product and availability—selected genetic health traits.
A DNA test can offer interesting clues about family history and inherited traits, but it is important to understand what the results can and cannot tell you. Here is an overview of how the test works, what to consider before purchasing one, and how it differs from other types of DNA testing.
How a 23andMe DNA Test Works
Most at-home DNA kits follow a simple process:
- You order a kit and register it using an online account.
- You provide a saliva sample according to the kit instructions.
- You send the sample to the company’s laboratory.
- After processing, you view your reports online or in the company’s app.
The test examines selected genetic markers in your DNA. It does not usually read every part of your genome. The company compares those markers with reference data and uses statistical methods to estimate ancestry or identify certain genetic variants.
What Results Might Include
Available features depend on the test, the country where it is offered, and current company policies. Reports may include:
- Ancestry estimates: Estimates of the regions or populations that may be represented in your family history.
- DNA relatives: Possible genetic matches with other people who have taken the service and chosen to participate in matching.
- Traits: Reports about selected inherited characteristics, such as certain physical or sensory traits.
- Health-related information: Some versions may report selected genetic variants associated with health risks or carrier status. These reports do not provide a complete picture of a person’s health.
Results are estimates, not a definitive account of your identity or family history. Ancestry percentages can change as reference databases and analysis methods are updated. Close-relative matches may be more informative than small regional estimates, but all results should be interpreted in context.
What a Consumer DNA Test Cannot Tell You
A consumer ancestry test is not the same as a medical diagnosis or a legal paternity test. It generally cannot establish the full story of your ancestry, confirm every family relationship, or predict with certainty whether you will develop a particular condition.
If a health report raises concerns, discuss it with a qualified health care professional or genetic counselor. A clinician may recommend confirmatory testing through an accredited medical laboratory. Do not make medical decisions, change treatment, or stop medication based only on a consumer DNA report.
If you need to establish parentage for a court, child-support, inheritance, immigration, or other legal matter, use a properly administered legal DNA test. Legal testing typically requires identity verification and a documented chain of custody; an at-home ancestry kit may not meet those requirements.
Privacy and Unexpected Discoveries
Genetic information is deeply personal. Before sending a sample, review the company’s current privacy policy and account settings. Look for details about:
- How your saliva sample and genetic data are stored
- Whether your data may be used for research and whether participation is optional
- Whether genetic relatives can find or contact you
- How to change sharing preferences or delete your account and data
- Whether information may be shared with service providers or in response to valid legal requests
DNA testing can also reveal unexpected information, including previously unknown relatives, donor conception, adoption connections, or differences between what someone believed about their family and what the results suggest. Consider how you and your relatives might feel about receiving that information before enabling relative matching.
Is a 23andMe Test Right for You?
A consumer DNA test may be useful if you are curious about ancestry, interested in finding genetic relatives, or exploring selected traits. It may be less suitable if you need a medical diagnosis, legally admissible parentage results, or a complete account of your family’s origins.
Before ordering, compare the test’s features and total cost, check whether the reports are available where you live, and read the latest privacy terms. Treat the results as informative clues rather than final answers—and seek professional guidance when the information could affect medical or legal decisions.
9 Essential Tips for Navigating Your 24 and Me DNA Test
- Read the privacy policy before sharing your DNA sample.
- Check which health and ancestry reports are included in your plan.
- Follow the saliva collection instructions carefully.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking before collecting your sample as directed.
- Treat ancestry percentages as estimates, not exact facts.
- Use health reports as information, not a medical diagnosis.
- Discuss important health findings with a healthcare professional.
- Consider that results may reveal unexpected family connections.
- Review your options for data sharing, storage, and deletion.
Read the privacy policy before sharing your DNA sample.
Before sending your saliva sample for a 23andMe DNA test, read the company’s privacy policy so you understand how your genetic information and sample may be stored, used, and shared. Check whether research participation is optional, who may access your data, how DNA-relative matching works, and what steps are available to delete your account or request removal of your sample. These details can help you make an informed choice about sharing information that is uniquely personal.
Check which health and ancestry reports are included in your plan.
Before ordering a 23andMe DNA test, check which health and ancestry reports are included in the specific plan you’re considering. Features can vary by product, location, and current availability, so review the plan details to see whether it offers ancestry estimates, DNA relative matching, trait reports, or selected health-related information. Remember that health reports are not a diagnosis and may not provide a complete picture of your risk; consult a health care professional about medical concerns.
Follow the saliva collection instructions carefully.
Follow the saliva collection instructions carefully to help ensure your sample can be processed successfully. Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum for the period specified in the kit instructions, and fill the collection tube to the marked level without adding anything else. Seal and package the sample as directed, then mail it promptly. If the instructions are unclear or the sample is spilled or contaminated, contact the testing company before sending it.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking before collecting your sample as directed.
Before collecting your 23andMe DNA sample, follow the kit instructions and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for the specified period. These activities can contaminate or dilute your saliva, which may affect sample quality and delay processing. If you’re unsure how long to wait, check the instructions included with your kit.
Treat ancestry percentages as estimates, not exact facts.
Treat ancestry percentages from a 23andMe DNA test as estimates, not exact facts. They are calculated by comparing parts of your DNA with reference groups, and results can change as the company updates its data and methods. Use them as clues for exploring family history rather than a precise measure of identity or a complete record of your ancestry.
Use health reports as information, not a medical diagnosis.
Use health reports from a 23andMe DNA test as information—not as a medical diagnosis. These reports may identify selected genetic variants, but they do not assess every gene or account for all the factors that influence health. If a result concerns you, discuss it with a qualified health care professional or genetic counselor, who can explain what it may mean and whether confirmatory testing is appropriate.
Discuss important health findings with a healthcare professional.
If your 23andMe DNA test reports a health-related finding that concerns you, discuss it with a healthcare professional or genetic counselor. Consumer genetic tests do not diagnose conditions, and some results may need confirmation through clinical testing. A professional can explain what the finding may mean in light of your personal and family health history and help you decide whether any follow-up is appropriate.
Consider that results may reveal unexpected family connections.
Before taking a 23andMe DNA test, consider that the results may reveal unexpected family connections, such as unknown siblings, biological parents, or other relatives. These discoveries can bring up strong emotions and may affect family relationships. Think about whether you’re ready to learn this information, and review your privacy and DNA-relative matching settings before sharing your sample.
Review your options for data sharing, storage, and deletion.
Before sending in a sample for a 23andMe DNA test, review the company’s current options for data sharing, storage, and deletion. Check whether research participation or DNA-relative matching is optional, how long your sample and genetic information may be kept, and whether you can change your privacy settings later. If you decide to stop using the service, read the deletion instructions so you understand what may be removed and whether any information must be retained for legal or operational reasons.