Companies Who Provide At-Home DNA Testing

Genetic testing* kits are now available at home through a variety of companies, and for a variety of purposes. These tests can screen for certain types of cancer and diseases, determine a child's paternity, and even map an individual's ancestry for genealogical research. Prices appear to vary from "quite affordable" to "major purchase", with ancestral DNA testing tending to be in the highest bracket, without regard to the manufacturer. However, while the kits themselves may be affordable, be aware there will be an additional lab fee that is not built into the price, at least if you are not buying directly through the testing lab. The following are a small selection of those companies with tests currently available for at-home use, but by no means constitutes an endorsement of these companies or their products.

Viaguard offers an at home genetic screening kit for 7 different kinds of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. The kit itself sells for under $15 on Amazon, but there is a lab fee of $639 due when you submit your samples for the results. The test requires the individual to swab inside their cheeks to collect the specimens. Results take between 3-4 weeks.

Another provider of genetic tests is HomeDNA, who provides paternity tests. If you plan to take the tests and send them off to the lab immediately, 1 test for father and child is $78 with the lab fee for both tests included. If you want the kit now, but need to wait for processing, they will send you the kit for the price of shipping $18. They require your name and address and the number for your kit. You may view your results online and may opt to receive a hard copy as well. They also require only cheek swabs. Results within 5 days of lab's receipt of samples and fee.

Pathway Genomics offers testing for at-home screenings for a wide range of congenital diseases, disorders and predispositions, including cancer, heart disease, Tay-Sachs, drug sensitivity, and they also offer ancestral DNA testing. Once you receive the kit, you simply register it online, then collect saliva samples and send them in. Processing time varies by test.

*For additional information on what Genetic testing is and why it might be of benefit to you, please see my article Genetic Testing: What Is It? & Who Needs It?