These at-home DNA testing services usually work in a similar manner.  You order a test online and a testing kit will be mailed to you.  You then provide a sampling of your DNA, usually with a buccal swab from the inside of your cheek, and mail the sample back to a lab for testing.

The genetic test can provide a number of interesting results and are used for a host of different reasons.  Sometimes they will be used to identify a risk marker for a genetic disease.  They are also used for paternity testing or to determine you ancestry.  Costs for a genetic test range from less than $100 to more than a $1000, depending on the type of test and how extensive the results are.

Below are just a few of the companies that are able to provide direct to consumer genetic testing at this time:

23andMe.com – “23andMe provides genetic testing for over 100 traits and diseases as well as DNA ancestry. Our mission is to be the world’s trusted source of personal genetic information.”

Navigenics.com – “Our DNA tests can help you determine which health conditions you have an increased genetic risk for. Through a single saliva sample, we can tell you whether you are genetically predisposed to diseases such as breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, heart attack, prostate cancer or obesity.Once you know your genetic risk, you and your doctor can take steps to reduce it through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. Learn more about our genetic testing services. Purchase a genetic test.”

HomeDNA.com – “The HomeDNA home paternity testing system is a premium 16-marker DNA test – the most powerful in the industry. Your paternity test will be processed by our AABB accredited laboratory with the strictest confidentiality. Call us toll free at 1-866-776-9690.”

Gtldna.net – “Get accurate DNA tests from a trusted laboratory. GTL offers affordable paternity and DNA testing that provides conclusive results. We encourage you to compare what we have to offer with other DNA testing laboratories before making this important decision. At GTL, we’re confident you’ll see that we offer the most accurate paternity and DNA tests available.”

Pathway.com – “Our mission is to empower you with the most secure, comprehensive and affordable personal genomic information available and to become your partner in utilizing that information to improve your health and wellness. We are the only DNA testing service with an on-site federal and state CLIA-licensed laboratory.”

DNATesting.com – “In 1993 IDENTIGENE became the first DNA paternity testing laboratory to offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing. 15 years later, IDENTIGENE leads the industry with the first home DNA Paternity Test Collection Kit available in stores.”

DNATribes.com – “DNA Tribes Genetic Ancestry Analysis is a service that uses genetic material inherited from both maternal and paternal ancestors to measure your genetic connections to individual ethnic groups and major world regions.  Your top ranked results indicate places where your blend of ancestry is most frequent and where your genetic ancestors left the strongest traces.”

Genetic counseling is one of the more important, yet often ignored, aspects of genetic testing.  There are an increasing number of gene tests available and it is rarely easy to understand the results of such tests, not to mention what to do with the information after the genetic test results have come in.

Generally speaking a genetic counselor is someone with an advanced degree in science specializing in medical genetics but may include expertise in biology, psychology, medicine, social work or some other related field.  This individual will be able to decipher the results of a genetic test and offer informed guidance.  A counselor can help provide information and offer support to individuals and families who have a known genetic disorder or who may have detected a genetic risk for a specific condition that might have been inherited.

One of the more common aspects of genetic counseling involves the dna test performed via amniocentesis. In this case, genetic material is obtained from the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus.  Tests may be performed to detect possible birth defects or genetic abnormalities that may indicate a condition such as Down syndrome.

Genetic testing, and subsequent counseling with a genetic counselor, may also occur before pregnancy in order to identify a possible genetic trait that could be passed on to an offspring.

Generally speaking, Genetic Testing is a laboratory test done on the blood or other tissue to find and identify genetic traits or disorders.  There are hundreds of tests available and, increasingly, many genetic testing companies that offer direct-to-consumer dna and gene tests.

Some of the more specific, and popular, uses of genetic tests include the following:

Identifying genetic abnormalities or diseases in an embryo or fetus.
Identifying a specific genetic trait or disease that may be passed from a parent to his or her child.
Testing for genetic signs that might indicate a disease before the display of symptoms.
Performing a gene test to confirm an prior diagnosis for a particular disease.
Paternity testing can be performed on a child’s dna to determine his or father.
DNA can also be tested to identify an individual’s ancestry.

These are just a few of the hundreds of tests that can and are performed with genetic testing.  Individuals interested in obtaining a genetic test or understanding the results may seek genetic counseling.