Q: How do DNA health tests work?

DNA health tests work by analyzing a sample provided by you and extracting your DNA. For health tests, this usually involves a cheek swab or a saliva sample. But some other tests, especially those for organ health and STDs, require a finger-prick blood sample. Your DNA is then compared to genes that influence certain biomarkers to determine which genetic variant you carry. Certain variants might indicate that you’re at risk for a specific health condition.

Q: Will health insurance cover DNA testing?

You might be surprised to learn that you can use your health insurance for a lot of health tests , especially those that involve genetic conditions and carrier risk screening. Of course, you need to check your policy first and it’s probably worth getting in touch with your insurance provider. Some companies like LetsGetChecked accept FSA and HSA cards . So even if you can’t pay with your insurance, you can cover some costs another way.

Q: Are health DNA tests worth it?

Yes! Health DNA tests are definitely worth it if you’re looking to assess your risk of genetic diseases, nutritional needs, and understand how your traits and behaviors can influence your health. You can get a good indication of your risk levels and use actionable advice to alter your lifestyle habits and improve your health. Always do your research beforehand, because it’s important to know what you’re getting before you buy. For example, it’s not worth investing in a health test that screens for nutritional deficiencies and intolerances if you want carrier risk testing.

Question 1

Can Native American ancestry DNA tests tell me what tribe I belong to?

Accepted Answer

No, a DNA test cannot tell you which tribe your ancestors belonged to, nor can it be used to claim tribal affiliation today.

Because all Native Americans descended from Asia to settle in the Americas, their genetic makeup is very similar, even though they came to inhabit far-reaching areas. The DNA of some groups did evolve, but even then, the diverge is not great enough to pinpoint a specific tribe — the best a DNA company can do is pinpoint a smaller region where your ancestors lived.

If you’d like to confirm your indigenous history, I recommend MyHeritage. Its report will reveal your Native American heritage and detail the other ethnicities in your DNA.

Question 2

What percentage do you need to be considered Native American?

Accepted Answer

Every indigenous tribe has its own criteria for determining membership. For example, the Navajo Nation requires at least 25% Native American blood, while the Comanche Nation requires at least 12.5%.

It’s important to note that having a particular percentage of Native American ancestry in your DNA is typically not enough to claim tribal affiliation. Many tribes consider membership based on your documented family history and participation.

Using tests from companies like MyHeritage are best suited for satiating your curiosity about your lineage or to get hints about where to conduct further research.

Question 3

Can Native American ancestry DNA tests tell me which side of my family is indigenous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can determine which side of your family has indigenous roots if you take a DNA test that does mtDNA and Y-DNA analysis.

Living DNA is a good example of a company that analyzes your maternal and paternal roots. Best of all, it includes this info as part of its basic package.

If you’re looking for even more in-depth analysis, take a look at FamilyTreeDNA’s offerings. The expert-level test is pricey, but it offers a wealth of info.

Question 4

Why don&rsquo;t my DNA results show my Native American ancestry?

Accepted Answer

There are two common reasons that your DNA results may not show Native American ancestry: you don’t actually have any or it wasn’t passed down.

It’s not uncommon for families to claim Native American heritage, and there are lots of reasons for it. Sometimes it’s as simple as a misunderstanding, and other times it’s simply a case of storytelling.

But what about when you have documented evidence of indigenous history? In this case, your DNA may not show Native American heritage because your ancestors were several generations removed.

Remember: Your parents each contributed about half of their DNA to you. The DNA they passed down was made up of 50% of each their mother and father, whose parents each contributed 50%, and so on. This means that if you had Native American ancestors 10 generations ago, very little or none of their DNA may be present in your genetic makeup.

Question 5

How much do Native American ancestry tests cost?

Accepted Answer

DNA tests for Native American heritage vary in price, but they generally start at about $80 to $100.

My vote for the best Native American ancestry DNA test is MyHeritage. It will confirm whether you have indigenous DNA and detail all the other ethnicities in your past. It’s also one of the most affordable tests.

Question 6

Which is the best DNA test for Native American ancestry?

Accepted Answer

MyHeritage offers the best DNA test for Native American ancestry. Its ethnicity estimate will paint an accurate picture of where your ancient relatives came from so you can confirm your suspicions or set off on a journey about learning more about your heritage.

Question 7

How do DNA health tests work?

Accepted Answer

DNA health tests work by analyzing a sample provided by you and extracting your DNA. For health tests, this usually involves a cheek swab or a saliva sample. But some other tests, especially those for organ health and STDs, require a finger-prick blood sample.

Your DNA is then compared to genes that influence certain biomarkers to determine which genetic variant you carry. Certain variants might indicate that you’re at risk for a specific health condition.

Question 8

Will health insurance cover DNA testing?

Accepted Answer

You might be surprised to learn that you can use your health insurance for a lot of health tests, especially those that involve genetic conditions and carrier risk screening. Of course, you need to check your policy first and it’s probably worth getting in touch with your insurance provider.

Some companies like LetsGetChecked accept FSA and HSA cards. So even if you can’t pay with your insurance, you can cover some costs another way.

Question 9

Are health DNA tests worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Health DNA tests are definitely worth it if you’re looking to assess your risk of genetic diseases, nutritional needs, and understand how your traits and behaviors can influence your health. You can get a good indication of your risk levels and use actionable advice to alter your lifestyle habits and improve your health.

Always do your research beforehand, because it’s important to know what you’re getting before you buy. For example, it’s not worth investing in a health test that screens for nutritional deficiencies and intolerances if you want carrier risk testing.

Question 10

Which is the best DNA health test?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what you want from your test, how quickly you want your results, and your budget. If you want to live an all-around healthier lifestyle, choose Living DNA for its wide selection of reports and actionable nutrition and fitness insights based on your DNA.

For checking organ function, STD screening, and current levels of hormones and other biomarkers, go with Everlywell and LetsGetChecked. To determine your predispositions to certain diseases and carrier status for congenital conditions, 23andMe provides extensive genetic health reports.

Question 11

Can you get DNA health testing for dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. You can learn all about your dog’s breed makeup, their characteristics, and whether they are likely to develop health conditions.

Our top choice overall is Embark, with screening for 170+ health conditions and actionable wellness tips, too. Wisdom Panel is a worthy runner up, though – it gets your dog’s results to you even quicker and screens for 180 health risks.

Question 12

What is Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Jewish heritage is broken down into several different subgroups, based on the geographic locations where those cultures took root and flourished. The Ashkenazi subgroup is the term used for the Jewish population which consolidated in Eastern Europe after the Middle Ages.

Question 13

What genetic diseases and health risks do Ashkenazi Jews face?

Accepted Answer

Due to the unique migratory and inbreeding patterns of the Ashkenazi Jewish culture, Ashkenazi DNA holders are particularly at risk for a variety of congenital diseases. The most common is Gaucher disease — a buildup of fat in various organs like the spleen and liver. Other diseases that commonly affect the Ashkenazi community are Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

If you do discover you have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, you may want to learn your carrier status for the genes associated with these congenital diseases. 23andMe’s Ancestry + Health test, not only delves deep into your ancestry gives you 40 carrier reports for a number of conditions relevant for those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent including Bloom syndrome, Canavan disease, cystic fibrosis, familial hyperinsulinism, and more.

Question 14

What are the main types of Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

There are three main types of Jewish ancestry: Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi. Defining them can be a little tricky, but a genetic analysis can show which Jewish subgroup you belong to. Generally speaking:

Ashkenazi — Jews from Eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Ukraine, etc.)
Sephardic — Jews from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal, North Africa, etc.)
Mizhari — Jews from eastern Europe (Middle East, Turkey, Iran, etc.)

Question 15

Which DNA test is best at analyzing Jewish heritage?

Accepted Answer

The best autosomal DNA tests for identifying Jewish heritage are MyHeritage and AncestryDNA. Both of these tests will give you accurate assessments of how much Jewish DNA you have. For Y-DNA (paternal lineage) or mtDNA (maternal lineage) testing, FamilyTreeDNA offers the best analysis for tracking and understanding the geography and migration of your Jewish lineage.

Question 16

What are the benefits of discovering your Jewish ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Apart from learning about your heritage, understanding your Jewish ancestry can provide you with valuable medical insights to help prevent diseases that disproportionately affect those in the Ashkenazi community. And if you use a DNA service which also has a genealogical component — like MyHeritage or AncestryDNA — you can find and connect with living relatives who are also part of your Jewish family.

Question 17

What are the common symptoms of a hormone imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Of course, the symptoms of a hormone imbalance will depend on which glands and hormones are affected. But generally speaking, the common signs of a hormone imbalance include:

Weight gain or loss
Changes in heart rate and/or blood pressure
Infertility or difficulty in conceiving
Mood swings and/or anxiety
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in appetite
Fatigue
Sensitivity to temperature changes
Brittle and fragile bones
Reduced sex drive
Heavy, irregular, or painful periods.

Question 18

Can a hormone test diagnose you with a medical condition?

Accepted Answer

No, a hormone test cannot diagnose you with a medical condition. Your results will tell you how your current levels compare to average levels for your age. You may also get some insight into what your hormone levels may mean for you along with actionable insights into what you can do to maintain optimum levels.

To find the underlying cause of your potentially abnormal hormone imbalance, you should take your results to your healthcare provider.

Question 19

How do I take a hormone test at home?

Accepted Answer

It’s super easy to take a hormone test at home. In most cases, it involves a fingerprick blood sample, which is quick and completely painless.

For some tests, you may be required to provide a saliva swab or a urine sample, but they also take just a few minutes and detailed instructions will ensure you collect your sample correctly.

Question 20

Does insurance cover the cost of at-home hormone tests?

Accepted Answer

At-home hormone tests are not usually covered by insurance as they would be if you took them through your doctor. However, it’s always worth checking with your policy provider before ordering.

Don’t forget, a lot of companies – includingEverlywell and LetsGetChecked – accept HSA/FSA cards, so you can cut the cost that way, even if you’re insurance won’t cover it.

Question 21

What type of sample is needed for at-home fertility testing?

Accepted Answer

If you’re testing your current levels of key hormones, you’ll need to provide a fingerprick blood sample or small urine sample. For testing the quality of your sperm, you’ll need a semen sample, but with YO, myLAB Box, and Trak Fertility, you can do this in the privacy of your own home.

Question 22

How do you test your sperm count?

Accepted Answer

A visit to your doctor’s office is one of the most reliable ways to check your sperm count, but it isn’t the only option available. You can also check your sperm count from the comfort of your own home with myLAB Box or Trak Fertility — it’s much quicker and cheaper than a typical doctor’s visit.

At-home sperm count tests let you discreetly collect a semen sample when you’re ready. These kits come with easy-to-follow instructions to ensure you get the best sample possible.

After a short processing period (typically less than an hour), you can observe and even record your sperm’s activity on your computer or mobile device. If the count and motility seem low, you can easily retest or share your results with your doctor to determine the next course of action.

Question 23

What does fertile sperm look like?

Accepted Answer

Fertile sperm should have good motility; that is, appear very active. In terms of appearance, the head should be rounded and the tail strong.

Only one viable sperm needs to penetrate the egg for fertilization to occur, so the higher the sperm concentration in your semen sample, the better your chances of conceiving (depending on your partner’s fertility, of course).

If you’re interested in seeing what your sperm looks like in real-time, choose the Male Fertility Test from myLAB Box. You can even record your results to share with your family or doctor.

Question 24

What is a low sperm count?

Accepted Answer

A low sperm count, known as oligospermia, is when your ejaculated semen contains fewer sperm than normal. In terms of numbers, it means you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

The best test for fast, accurate reading of your sperm count is the Male Fertility Test from Trak Fertility. After collecting a sample and starting the analysis, you’ll receive results in less than 10 minutes.

Question 25

Can I get my partner pregnant if I have a low sperm count?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your partner can still get pregnant if your sperm count is low. Your chances of successfully conceiving are reduced, but it’s still possible if the quality of your sperm is good.

It’s important to follow up with your doctor if your sperm count tests low, as it could indicate an underlying health issue, or you may find it’s easily fixable with the help of a fertility specialist.

For answers about why you may suffer from low sperm count, consider LetsGetChecked’s test. It checks several hormone levels, including those involved in sperm development.

Question 26

What happens if you have a low sperm count?

Accepted Answer

If you have a low sperm count, it may take longer to conceive. You can get accurate results about your sperm count when you use Trak Fertility’s at-home sperm testing kit.

To help boost your fertility, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes that may help to boost your sperm concentration and motility, such as cutting back on alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. If you’re concerned about your long-term fertility, it’s important that you visit your doctor for further tests and to discuss your options.

Question 27

How much does a cat DNA test cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of cat DNA tests vary, but usually, they’re around $100-$150. As you’d expect, the more you pay, the more information you get.

You can often buy individual kits that only test one aspect of your cat’s DNA, such as allergies. These usually start from as little as $60.

Question 28

Which cat DNA test is the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

All of the test kits on this list are 100% verified and accurate. We put every kit through stringent testing during our review process to make sure you can rely on their results.

As with most other DNA kits, no cat DNA test is 100% accurate, and it can depend on a lot of factors from the size of their database, to the quality of your sample. The most accurate test is Basepaws. It has the largest database of all cat DNA tests and we found it highly accurate during the review process.

Question 29

Can a DNA test tell me if my cat is at risk for a genetic disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A cat DNA test can certainly identify your cat’s risk of genetic diseases. With a test like Basepaws, you get screening for over 40 risky conditions for cats.

Some tests even include carrier risk screening which identifies if your cat carries a genetic mutation for a disease that could be passed onto their litter, even if they never suffer from the condition themselves.

Remember that no DNA test can actually identify if your cat will develop a condition, though. It only indicates their risk level. Take your results to your cat’s veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss your next course of action.

Question 30

How do you do a cat DNA test?

Accepted Answer

Easy! Cat DNA tests typically come with cheek swabs, so you’re required to take a small sample of your cat’s cheek cells and saliva. These take no more than 30 seconds and you usually get two swabs in your kit.

Some other tests like 5strands require hair samples rather than saliva swabs due to the nature of testing, since they screen for allergies and intolerances rather than breed identification.

Question 31

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Accepted Answer

A few weeks after being infected with HIV, you may experience the following symptoms:

Fever and/or chills
Fatigue and extreme tiredness
Unexplained rashes
Night sweats
Muscle aches and pains
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Mouth ulcers

As these symptoms are often mistaken for a cold or the flu, it’s important to screen for HIV regularly to prevent the infections from going unnoticed. Plus, the initial symptoms of HIV usually disappear within a few weeks to a month, and you may experience no further symptoms for many years

It’s so important to catch an HIV infection early as it can be managed very successfully with antiretroviral therapy. They can slow down the damage of the infection by reducing the amount of the virus in your blood.

However if left undetected, and therefore untreated, HIV will continue to attack your immune system and develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Symptoms of AIDS include:

Rapid and unexplained weight loss
Extreme tiredness and fatigue
Soaking night sweats
Prolonged fever, chills, and lymph node swelling
Persistent headaches
Chronic diarrhea
Skin lesion
Unusual infections

Question 32

Who should take an at-home HIV test?

Accepted Answer

Everyone between the age of 18 and 65 should be screened for HIV at least once a year. Additionally, an at-home HIV test is recommended for you if:

You’re concerned you’ve been exposed to an STI
You have had unprotected sex with a new partner or multiple partners
You’re a man who has sex with men
You’ve had unprotected sex with some at high risk of HIV
You’ve shared injection needles

Question 33

When should you take an HIV test?

Accepted Answer

It takes time for an HIV infection to be detectable in your sample. This is known as the window period and most people will have detectable HIV antibodies in between 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. However, in rarer cases, it may take up to 3 months, so if you do test 3 weeks after potential exposure and test negative, you may want to test again in three months, just to be sure.

However, if you’re anxious to know your status sooner, you can take an HIV RNA Early Detection Test in just 9-11 days after exposure.

Question 34

How do I take an HIV test at home?

Accepted Answer

It’s very easy to take an HIV test at home. In most cases, all it takes is a simple fingerprick blood sample, which is completely painless and done in just a few moments. OraQuick is slightly different, requiring a quick swab of the gums, which is also painless.

With lab-based providers, you’ll need to head to a testing center to provide your blood sample, but our researcher confirmed that experienced staff made the experience comfortable and quick.

Question 35

How is gonorrhea transmitted?

Accepted Answer

So, you’re probably wondering: Can you get gonorrhea from a toilet seat? NO, unequivocally, no! You cannot catch gonorrhea from a toilet seat.

Gonorrhea is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth. Transmission occurs when infected genital fluids get on or inside our genitals, anus, and mouth.

Question 36

What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

The common symptoms of gonorrhea typically appear within 2-10 days of infection, but it can take up to 30 days or more. They include:

Unusual discharge
Painful urination
More frequent urge to urinate
Pain during intercourse
Abdominal or pelvic pain
Bleeding between periods
Testicular or scrotal pain or inflammation

However, research has indicated that 10-15% of men and about 80% of women are asymptomatic with gonorrhea i.e. they show no noticeable symptoms. Plus, even when symptoms do occur they can be so mild that they are easily confused with other infections.

This is why regular testing for gonorrhea is so important, particularly as it has several serious long-term implications if left untreated, including infertility, arthritis, epididymitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, premature labor, and stillbirth.

Question 37

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

If you’re sexually active, it’s recommended that you get routinely tested for gonorrhea at least once a year. You should undergo additional screening if:

You or your partner are experiencing symptoms of gonorrhea
You have recently become sexually active
You’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner
You have tested positive for a different STI
A sexual partner informs you they have gonorrhea or another STI
You’re pregnant or planning on getting pregnant
During a cervical exam, you’re informed that your cervix is inflamed or there’s discharge

Question 38

How long does a gonorrhea test take?

Accepted Answer

Whether you choose lab-based or home gonorrhea testing, collecting your urine or swab sample will take just a few minutes. Just be sure to follow the instructions of your kit carefully to ensure you get quality samples, free of contamination.

Question 39

When should you test for gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

All STIs take a period of time before they become detectable in your sample. This is known as the window period, which for gonorrhea is 7-14 days, which means you should wait at least 2 weeks after sexual contact before taking a test to ensure accurate results.

If you’re concerned you may have been exposed to gonorrhea or another STI, don’t engage in any sexual activity until you get the all-clear through tested or have completed treatment.

It’s recommended that you engage in safe sex and get retested for gonorrhea three months following treatment to make sure that you’re completely free of the infection. For regular gonorrhea testing (or screening for other STIs), LetsGetChecked and Everlywell offer significant savings on routine testing.

Question 40

How long does it take for gonorrhea test results?

Accepted Answer

The time it takes to get your gonorrhea results vary between providers. Lab-based companies, such as STDCheck.com and HealthLabs, can deliver your results in as little as 24 hours after you have provided your samples.

If you prefer to take your gonorrhea test in the privacy of your own home, you can expect your results in less than a week after the lab has reviewed your samples.LetsGetChecked and Everlywell delivered our results in just 3 days and provide free express shipping to get your samples back to the lab as quickly as possible.

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