Survey reveals what Americans think about home DNA testing

As many as 1 in 5 Americans have taken a home DNA test, with many discovering surprising information about their identity or family history, according to a new survey published by YouGov.

The survey shed light on the growing trend of home DNA testing, exploring why people choose to take home DNA tests, what they hope to learn, and the concerns they might have – particularly regarding privacy and data security.

The findings also highlight the importance of choosing a reputable testing provider that prioritizes accuracy, reliability and confidentiality.

Why do Americans take home DNA tests?

The YouGov survey found that Americans take home DNA tests for a variety of reasons, with family connections, health insights, and ancestry being top motivations for taking a test.

Out of those surveyed:

• 22% hoped to connect with biological relatives using DNA testing
• 41% wanted to learn about their genetic predisposition to certain health conditions
• 59% were interested in learning about their ancestral origins

The survey also explored participants’ openness to uncovering potentially sensitive information through DNA testing:

• 61% would want to know if they were not biologically related to their father
• 71% would want to learn about previously unknown biological siblings
• 73% would want to know if they have a high likelihood of developing a serious health condition

However, despite the interest in DNA testing, privacy remains a significant concern for many Americans. Of those who said they were hesitant to take a DNA test, 42% cited privacy concerns as a primary reason, while 36% expressed distrust in companies handling DNA data.

Should I take a DNA test?

The findings of the YouGov survey demonstrate that many people see the value in taking DNA tests, but many still have concerns surrounding privacy and data handling.

As an ISO 17025 and BBB-accredited DNA laboratory with over 20 years’ experience providing DNA testing for peace of mind, we understand the responsibility that comes with DNA testing, and the challenge of choosing a DNA testing provider.

Before ordering a DNA test, it’s important to do your research and only choose an accredited testing company that operates to the very highest standards, whilst prioritizing customer privacy.

For many people, ordering a DNA test is a personal, private decision, and they may not even tell anyone that they have ordered a test. This means that discreet delivery of the DNA test kit and the DNA test results is crucial, in addition to safeguarding customer’s personal data.

Here are the steps we take at AlphaBiolabs to ensure your confidentiality is maintained throughout the testing process:

• Discreet, plain packaging:All our peace of mind DNA tests including relationship tests, genetic tests and ancestry tests are sent out in discreet, plain packaging, so you can be sure that privacy is maintained when your DNA test kit arrives at its destination. This is especially important if you do not want others to know that you have ordered a DNA test and helps you to keep your decision private and confidential.
• Password-protected results: Your secure, password-protected results are sent to the email address you provide when placing your order. You will be asked to choose your own password when placing your order, meaning that your results are completely private. We will also only discuss details of the DNA testingwith those who are entitled to know i.e. on receipt of the correct passwords or answers to unique security questions.
• We keep all correspondence confidential: DNA testing can be an extremely emotional time, and not all our customers want other people to know that they are undertaking such tests. That’s why we go to great lengths to minimise any chance of the company name being recognized in any correspondence. For example, online payment transactions do NOT name AlphaBiolabs as the recipient on bank statements.
• We don’t sell your data: We limit access to your personal data to those people who have a business need to know. They will only process your personal data on our instructions, and they are subject to a duty of confidentiality.
• We keep your results and personal information secure: We work hard to protect your data from being disclosed or accessed in an unauthorised way by using a secure server that protects any financial transactions on our website. We have also invested heavily in our cyber security systems, and take appropriate physical, electronical and managerial measures to ensure that any data disclosed to us is kept completely confidential.
• We adhere to privacy regulations: DNA samples are destroyed 3 months after testing is completed. Customer data is destroyed 2 years after testing is completed, unless associated with a customer contract which specifies otherwise.

Learn more: How to choose the right DNA test

Where can I order a DNA test?

At AlphaBiolabs, we offer a wide range of peace of mind DNA tests to suit a variety of needs, whether you want to verify a biological relationship, learn more about your genetic predisposition towards certain health conditions, or simply understand more about your ancestral origins.

For most of our DNA tests, all we require is a simple cheek swab from each person taking part in the test – so you can collect your own DNA sample quickly and easily in the privacy of your own home.

Simply return your samples to our state-of-the-art, accredited laboratory, and we’ll do the rest!

• Relationship DNA tests: Choose from a wide range of peace of mind home DNA tests including paternity, prenatal paternity, maternity, sibling, twin, grandparent aunt/uncle, Y chromosome, toothbrush and nail DNA tests. We also offer court-admissible, AABB accredited DNA testing for legal matters.
• Health tests: Our Genetic Lactose Intolerance Test can tell you whether you have the MCM6 gene variations linked to primary lactose intolerance. Our Celiac Genetic Test can tell you if you have the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes linked to celiac disease.
• Ancestry tests: Discover more about your ancestral roots, with our DNA Origins Ancestry Test and Paternal Lineage Ancestry Test.

Order your DNA test online now, or contact our friendly, discreet Customer Services team on 727-325-2902 / info@alphabiolabsusa.com for more information.