Testing for paternity, ancestry, health conditions, and more via DNA has become rather easy to do. Lots of DNA testing services have sprung up, with some dedicated to one type of testing and others handling several types. If you've never taken a DNA-based test before, the whole process may seem a bit confusing. It's one thing to say you send in a sample of DNA and get results back, but it's quite another when you look at the (substantially variable) details. If you're looking to take a DNA test, keep these three things in mind.
There Are Different Tests
There's no one DNA test in general that covers everything. When you have your DNA tested, the test you take is constructed to look at specific markers for specific purposes. You won't get ancestry and genetic health testing from the same test unless that test was specifically designed to provide those two pieces of information.
In addition to that, there are different types of DNA tests for the same pieces of information. For example, ancestry tests can look at different markers such as mitchondrial DNA, autosomal DNA, and Y-DNA (note that Y-DNA is for men only as it looks at the Y chromosome). The results they give can be different, such as tests that look at geographical ancestry versus tracing personal historical migration patterns.
They Don't Necessarily Need Your Blood
Many DNA tests now use either a saliva sample or cheek-scrape sample — you "scrape" the inside of your cheek with a soft swab, so don't be alarmed by how harsh the name sounds — so there's no need for a blood sample, for the most part. If you're going in for a lab-based test session, there could be an option to give blood, but if you don't like needles, ask if the same test can be performed with a cheek swab or saliva sample instead.
Beware of Over-the-Counter Tests
If your DNA test is to determine your potential for developing health problems, you may encounter tests sold in drugstores and pharmacies. Be wary of these. Depending on the test, these may or may not have FDA approval and may or may not be accurate. (You could find some that are FDA-approved and accurate, but the research you'd have to put in to finding those takes more effort than just calling a testing service.) The level of risk these provide may also be more general than you were hoping for.
It's better for you to contact a DNA testing service directly and use their tests, rather than ones on the shelf. You'll be able to discuss the type of test you want and the procedure for providing the sample. Your results should be ready soon after and hopefully give you the answers you were hoping for.
