For those that don’t already know, 23andMe is a company that has the ability to test your DNA to tell you more about you. They can tell you about your genetics, health, ancestry, and more, and you could learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
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There are two different services that you can choose from, which are the ancestry and traits test, and the health and ancestry test, depending on what you want to find out about yourself. However, something that you might be left wondering is how long the process takes.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the company 23andMe, and tell you everything that you need to know about them, including what they can offer you, which services you will be able to choose from, and how long it will take to get your results. Just keep reading to find out more about 23andMe.
What Is 23andMe?
‘We’re not just a genetics company. We’re not just a health company; we’re not just ancestry; we’re all of these things. We want to tell you about you.’ This is a quote that has been taken directly from the 23andMe website, which really highlights what they are all about.
If you provide them with a sample of your DNA, they will have everything that they need to help you discover who you really are when it comes to your health, ancestry, and genetics. You will then be able to access, understand, and benefit from the interesting and diverse things that your DNA can tell you.
How you then go on to explore your DNA is really up to you. 23andMe believes that science should be fun and easy to understand, so everyone can benefit from it in meaningful ways. However, it is still science, and this is a company that is built upon the latest science and technology.
23andMe provides you with the space to explore and understand your own genes, and privacy and security is of utmost importance in everything that they do. So, you don’t have to share your information unless you choose to do so.
How Does 23andMe Work?
23andMe works in 3 simple steps, which we will explain below. You can do everything at home without any blood tests. Instead, you just need a small saliva sample.
Ordering
The first step is to choose from either the Health + Ancestry or Ancestry + Traits services. You will then be sent a saliva collection kit in the mail, which will typically arrive within 3 to 5 days. Express shipping is also available.
Spit
The second step involves following the instructions within the kit to provide the saliva sample that is required. You can do all of this at home. You need to register your saliva collection tube using the barcode, and then mail it back to the lab in the prepaid package.
Discover
Within around 3 to 4 weeks, you will be sent an email to let you know that your reports are ready in your online account. You can then simply log in to start discovering what your DNA has to say about you.
How Will My DNA Become A Report?
Something that you might not have known is that human DNA is around 99.5% identical from person to person, but there are some small differences that make each individual unique. These differences are called variants.
Your DNA would have been passed down from your parents, your parents’ parents, and so on. Variants can be linked to things like certain health conditions, traits, and ancestry groups.
Your saliva will contain DNA from cells in your mouth, so once you have provided your sample of DNA, 23andMe can get started on creating your results.
They have a CLIA-certified lab that is used to extract DNA from cells in your saliva sample, and the lab will process the DNA to a genotyping chip that reads hundreds of thousands of variants in your genome.
Your data will be analyzed and your own personal report will be generated based on well-established scientific and medical research.
How Reliable Is 23andMe?
23andMe is backed by science to provide you with results that you can trust. They follow rigorous standards to ensure quality service, and all of their risk reports will meet the criteria for being scientifically and clinically valid.
All of the saliva samples that they receive will be processed in labs in the United States, and will meet local regulations.
Their kits have been manufactured in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices, and their team of scientists and medical experts use a robust process to develop reports and ensure validity.
Genotyping is a well-established and reliable platform that is used to analyze DNA, and ancestry percentages will be derived from their powerful and well-tested system that provides you with ancestry estimates down to the 0.1%
How Long Does 23andMe Take?
According to the 23andMe website, it will take around 3-4 weeks to process your saliva sample after your kit has been received at the lab. Your report will then be generated and you will be sent an email to confirm that your results are ready in your online account.
Ancestry and Traits Service
The Ancestry and Traits service includes a comprehensive ancestry breakdown and more than 30 trait reports. You can expect to receive:
- 80+ personalised reports
- Ancestry percentages (to the 0.1%)
- 2000+ geographic locations
Health And Ancestry Service
If you want to get genetic insights into your ancestry, traits and health that can help make it easier for you to take action on your health, then the Health and Ancestry service is the one for you. You will:
- Get genetic insights into your
- Receive 150+ personalised reports
- Get everything from the Ancestry +plus Traits Service
You can use this service to discover how your DNA can influence your health, and you can see how your DNA can affect your chances of developing certain health conditions. Your personalized report will break down your genetic data to tell you everything that you need to know.
Use these genealogy forms to stay organized as you discover your family history!
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