AncestryDNA vs. 23andMe vs. National Geographic DNA tests – Business Insider

My husband and I recently took the 23andme test because we wanted to find out what traits and conditions our children could potentially inherit from us and learn more about our genetic health risks so we can be better prepared to handle them. 

We’re still waiting on the results, but plan to take the results and consult a genetic counselor. This link takes you to a page managed by the National Society of Genetic Counselors to find a genetic counselor near you: http://www.aboutgeneticcounselors.com/). Health insurance typically pays for genetic counseling and in many cases pays for genetic testing when it is recommended by a doctor. However, it is important to check with your insurance company to verify coverage. Insurance companies have different policies, and may cover some tests, but not others. Some cover counseling and testing under specific circumstances, or insist that certain requirements are met before they agree to cover genetic testing.

To analyze your DNA, 23andMe uses a technique called genotyping. Humans have 3 billion base pairs of DNA in our genome — that’s a lot of information to sift through — so genotyping technology looks for specific parts of DNA and pieces them together.

The health reports can tell you information about your physical traits (like if you’re likely to have dimples or curly hair), wellness (how well you metabolize caffeine or if you’re a sprinter), and carrier status for certain genetic mutations.