Given the large number of DNA test types currently available on the market, it is only natural to feel a bit confused or even overwhelmed when deciding which type of test to choose. The question becomes obvious: which one should we choose?
Genetics is already a complex subject in itself, and it becomes even more complicated due to the wide range of companies dedicated to genome analysis, the imprecision of some of the information offered, and the variety of analysis types we can choose from.
At Made of Genes, we always try to make the difficult easy, so we want to clarify any doubts you may have encountered while exploring this field. What types of DNA tests exist? Which one is best for you? How can they help your health? And, most importantly, do they present any risks?
Types of DNA tests by application
Since the answer to these questions depends on the type of test, the first thing we must distinguish are the three areas of application of genetics: clinical genetics, genetic screening, and genetics applied to health promotion. Naturally, we do not include other services such as ancestry studies or genetic curiosities, as they are not related to health.
- Clinical genetics
Genetic diagnosis, or clinical genetics, focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases when symptoms or clinical suspicions need to be investigated. For this reason, it is recommended for individuals with a family history of hereditary diseases, as well as in cases where healthcare professionals suspect a specific genetic marker related to a patient’s clinical condition. Increasingly, medicine relies on these molecular tests to refine prognosis and treatments.
- Genetic screening
Genetic screening, on the other hand, studies predispositions and risks for developing certain diseases. When is it advisable? For example, when planning to have children for the first time. A preconception screening, known as carrier testing, is performed to prevent future babies from developing serious diseases. In fact, in many countries this DNA test is mandatory.
As with genetic diagnosis, screening must be carried out under the supervision of properly trained healthcare professionals. Only in this way can we ensure that the information provided is accurate and, moreover, clinically actionable.
- Genetics applied to health promotion
And now we arrive at the third field of application of genetics: health care and disease prevention. In this category, we find all tests that study the influence of genetic markers on our bodies in order to improve our health and well-being before symptoms appear.
Society is evolving toward a much more comprehensive approach to health. We no longer just want to avoid illness — we want to feel well and in control of our health, and this has contributed to the boom of this type of genetic testing.
These are not diagnostic tests nor exclusive to medicine, but are instead related to healthy habits and lifestyle, such as physical activity, nutrition, or rest. The only drawback of these tests is the need to separate the wheat from the chaff, as most of them involve far more problems than benefits.
DNA “charlatans”
Despite their great potential to improve user health, most genetic tests sold online are direct-to-consumer tests, meaning they simply provide a report without any professional guidance. If they are not explained by professionals, not even the best nutrigenomics tests are useful. On the contrary, incorrect interpretation of results can lead to unnecessary alarm.
This is not the only reason why these health- and prevention-focused DNA tests are discouraged. They also tend to conduct indiscriminate searches for disease risks, which can be dangerous, as such risks should only be investigated under expert supervision and focused on those that are actionable and relevant. In addition, taking advantage of the general population’s unfamiliarity with these studies, many companies offer genetic analyses with very low scientific, clinical, and ethical rigor.
The genetic studies of the future are already here
On the opposite end of this trend, we find Made of Genes’ innovative health studies, which are not based on searching for diseases, but on evaluating and contextualizing each user’s health status so that we can identify and prioritize the health actions that will allow us to take the best possible care of ourselves. This is what we call personalized health, and it represents a new field of application for genetics.
The new types of DNA tests
Although they are not diagnostic tests, they follow an approach more similar to clinical testing: they focus on a limited number of areas of study, and results are manually analyzed with the highest scientific rigor. The Made of Genes ONE study, in particular, combines a genetic test with a blood analysis to offer the only next-generation molecular study with a comprehensive view of health (not limited solely to genetic factors).
Like a traditional health check-up, Made of Genes tests are suitable for anyone. In fact, several health insurance providers already offer them and even cover them. Discover which study is right for you and start a health plan that allows you to improve your habits and optimize your overall health. Taking care of yourself today is undoubtedly the best way to take care of your future. And the way you take care of yourself has evolved.
