Q: Which test is more accurate, 23andMe or MyHeritage?

In order to make give you an ethnicity estimate, MyHeritage compares your DNA samples to 42 different global populations. This doesn’t allow your ethnicity results to be as precise and accurate as the ones you get from 23andMe , which compares your samples to more than 1,000 global populations.

Question 1

Which one is cheaper: 23andMe or AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking to get information about your ancestry, 23andMe (starting price: $99) and AncestryDNA (starting price: $99) are priced the same. Therefore, you will need to base your decision on what each ancestry DNA test kit offers and what you are specifically looking for. Essentially, 23andMe’s DNA reports cover more topics and go into more detail than AncestryDNA. However, AncestryDNA has the added advantage (for an added fee) of enabling you to construct an online family tree that you can populate using the company’s vast historical and DNA databases. You can also check out some of the other best ancestry DNA kits if neither one provides you with all the data you want.

Question 2

Who should choose 23andMe over AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

23andMe’s reports are much more substantive than AncestryDNA’s reports for ancestry and they also offer DNA health testing for your genetic risk and carrier status for a number of conditions. For instance, 23andMe’s ancestry report explores your maternal and paternal haplogroups and your Neanderthal ancestry; AncestryDNA’s report does not. So if you’re looking for more information for your money, 23andMe is the clear choice.

Question 3

Who should choose AncestryDNA over 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

If your family genealogy is important to you, AncestryDNA is a better option. 23andMe allows you to build an online family tree for free, where you can manually add all relatives you know about. 23andMe will automatically add people to your tree who appear to be related to you based on your DNA; AncestryDNA will not do this for free. But if you’re willing to pay for a monthly subscription to AncestryDNA’s genealogy service, they will suggest a lot more new relatives for you to add. This is because AncestryDNA not only has many more people’s DNA in its database but also many more historical genealogy records.

Question 4

What features does 23andMe provide that AncestryDNA does not?

Accepted Answer

23andMe’s ancestry report includes information on your maternal and paternal haplogroups as well as your Neanderthal ancestry — none of which comes with an AncestryDNA report. AncestryDNA currently doesn’t offer health DNA testing, but 23andMe can also analyze your DNA for your risk for several genetic diseases and your carrier status for over 20 congenital conditions. It also includes information on how your DNA may affect traits like diet, exercise, and sleep, eye color, and finger length. You also get a customized health action plan. AncestryDNA doesn’t provide any of these features.

Question 5

What features does AncestryDNA provide that 23andMe does not?

Accepted Answer

Both 23andMe and AncestryDNA provide a free online tool for constructing your family tree. However, while 23andMe lacks the ability to access a vast online genealogy database to expand your family tree, AncestryDNA excels in this aspect. With the world’s largest DNA database consisting of 16 million individuals and a historical genealogy record database of 6 billion entries, AncestryDNA proves highly beneficial in locating a substantial number of living and deceased relatives to incorporate into your family tree.

Question 6

How long does it take to receive my Ancestry results?

Accepted Answer

Your AncestryDNA and AncestryHealth results are usually delivered between four and six weeks of the lab receiving your sample. It may be quicker, depending on how busy the lab is.

Question 7

Does AncestryDNA offer any regular or special discounts?

Accepted Answer

AncestryDNA regularly have special discounts, sales, and offers throughout the year. It’s also worth checking for coupon codes, which are frequently available. At DNAWeekly, we keep track of all of the latest deals, so you can be sure that you are getting your test kit at the lowest price possible!

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Question 8

Does AncestryDNA pricing change based on location?

Accepted Answer

AncestryDNA pricing does not change based on location for most options. For DNA testing in Mexico, Sweden UK, and Canada, etc you are redirected to the AncestryDNA website in the relevant country.

Because you are paying to access different records, the subscription cost for Family Tree Builder by Ancestry does vary by location.

Question 9

Does AncestryDNA include shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the pre-paid shipping label is included with your AncestryDNA test kit. Just collect and package your sample according to the directions, and drop the package in the mail!

Question 10

Is there a subscription cost for AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

Subscriptions from AncestryDNA are available but not required to receive your AncestryDNA test results. Subscriptions provide access to historical records and family tree services and can be purchased on a monthly, semi-annual, or annual basis. There are different subscription membership levels depending on whether you want access to US-based or worldwide records.

Question 11

Which test is more accurate, 23andMe or MyHeritage?

Accepted Answer

In order to make give you an ethnicity estimate, MyHeritage compares your DNA samples to 42 different global populations. This doesn’t allow your ethnicity results to be as precise and accurate as the ones you get from 23andMe, which compares your samples to more than 1,000 global populations.

Question 12

Which provides more value, 23andMe or MyHeritage?

Accepted Answer

“Value” is subjective. But while MyHeritage DNA’s test kits are usually more affordable (starting at $89.00) than the ones from 23andMe (starting at $99.00), the reports you receive from MyHeritage DNA include considerably less information and are less accurate than the ones available from 23andMe. Also, 23andMe updates your DNA results to reflect the company’s ongoing refinements to its ancestry and health testing, whereas MyHeritage charges an annual fee to do this.

Question 13

Which company provides better health reports, 23andMe or MyHeritage?

Accepted Answer

It’s not clear if there’s any difference in the accuracy of the two company’s health results. But 23andMe tests your risk for more diseases, and your carrier status for more congenital disorders, than MyHeritage DNA does. And while a MyHeritage health test only addresses your disease risk and carrier status, 23andMe’s health test also includes additional information such as how your DNA may affect wellness traits like diet, exercise, and sleep, and physical traits like eye color and finger length. 23andMe also gives you a customized health action plan.

Question 14

Which company provides better ancestry reports, 23andMe or MyHeritage?

Accepted Answer

MyHeritage DNA’s ancestry reports are limited to providing you with an ethnicity estimate and identifying your likely DNA relatives around the world. 23andMe also tells you about your maternal and paternal haplogroups and how much of your DNA came from Neanderthals. 23andMe’s ancestry reports are more detailed and substantive, and its ethnicity estimates are more accurate, than the ones from MyHeritage DNA.

Question 15

How do 23andMe and MyHeritage compare on price?

Accepted Answer

MyHeritage&rsquo;s DNA tests are usually less expensive in their list price than 23andMe&rsquo;s tests, and are more likely to be on sale at any given time.

Question 16

What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in neurological function and maintaining a healthy nervous system, as well as producing DNA and generating red blood cells. It is also an essential micronutrient during pregnancy. Symptoms of a deficiency include:

Fatigue, weakness, and lethargy
Joint or muscle pain
Numbness or tingling
Difficulty walking
Irritability, mood changes, and depression
Skin issues

Question 17

What preparations do a vitamin B12 test require?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the provider, so it&rsquo;s important to check the instructions carefully. Generally speaking, it&rsquo;s important to be well-hydrated for a blood test, and you may be asked to fast for a few hours beforehand. If you&rsquo;re submitting a spit or cheek swab DNA sample, you should not eat, drink, or smoke for thirty minutes before preparing your sample.

Question 18

Does insurance cover vitamin B12 testing?

Accepted Answer

It&rsquo;s a possibility. Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, and InsideTracker accept HSA/FSA payments, whereas many competitors do not. Check with your provider before ordering your test.

Question 19

How do you interpret the results of a vitamin B12 test?

Accepted Answer

A blood test will tell you if your vitamin B12 level is in the normal range, and what you can do to improve it if necessary. Low levels of B12 could indicate a larger health issue, such as anemia, whereas elevated levels can be a sign of diabetes or cancer. You should review your results and discuss any symptoms with a medical professional.

Question 20

Who should consider taking a vitamin B12 test? (and how often?)

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 is found in foods like fish, meat, and dairy, and is not naturally produced by the body. The people at the greatest risk for a deficiency are those with strict diets (vegetarian or vegan) as well as older adults and younger children. It is also important for women who are breastfeeding to have their levels checked, to ensure their babies are getting sufficient nutrients. If you find out that you have a deficiency, you can easily take steps to supplement your diet. If you have an existing condition, it might be a good idea to take a test every couple of months to actively monitor your levels.

Question 21

How accurate are the results from 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

23andMe&rsquo;s ancestry results are highly precise, matching your DNA against over 1,500 geographical reference populations to determine your ethnicity and geographic origins. The health test identifies genetic markers linked to specific diseases and conditions. While the marker analysis is accurate, having a marker doesn&rsquo;t guarantee you&rsquo;ll develop the related disease; it only indicates your risk level. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about your results.

Question 22

Is a 23andMe DNA test right for me?

Accepted Answer

If you’re really interested in your ancestry 23andMe provides insights that other leading vendors, like Ancestry and MyHeritage, don’t, such as the ancestry of your maternal and paternal lines, and whether you’re descended from Neanderthals.

Its health test also provides excellent value-for-money for those wanting an overall analysis of their disease risk and carrier status. But the insights don’t stop there, you also get trait reports on how your DNA may affect your sleep, exercise, diet, and much more.

Question 23

How long does it take to receive my 23andMe results?

Accepted Answer

Your results are usually delivered within two to three weeks of the lab receiving your DNA samples, which is quicker than most other leading providers. For instance, AncestryDNA&rsquo;s results take between four and six weeks, and MyHeritage takes around three to four weeks from receiving your sample.

Question 24

Can 23andMe diagnose you with a disease?

Accepted Answer

The 23andMe health DNA test cannot detect or diagnose any diseases. It instead tells you if you have any of the genetic markers associated with certain diseases or if you&rsquo;re a carrier for congenital conditions that you may pass on to your offspring.

Question 25

Does 23andMe offer any regular or special discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! 23andMe has regular special offers, sales, and discounts throughout the year. Check out our 23andMe coupon page to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Question 26

Is there a subscription cost for 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

No, unlike other vendors like MyHeritage and AncestryDNA, which offer services like relative-matching and family tree building.

Question 27

How accurate are the results from MyHeritage?

Accepted Answer

The MyHeritage ancestry test compares your DNA to 42 different reference populations from 2,100+ regions to estimate your ethical and geographical origins. Therefore, while some populations may not be as well represented as others, you can still expect an accurate ethnicity estimate.

Question 28

How long does it take to receive my MyHeritage Ancestry results?

Accepted Answer

You can expect to receive your results four to six weeks after the lab has received your sample, but it may be quicker, depending on how busy the lab is. If you want faster results, 23andMe’s are generally delivers in just two to three weeks.

Question 29

Does MyHeritage cover the cost of shipping?

Accepted Answer

MyHeritage DNA covers the cost of sending you your test kit, but you must pay the return postage for mailing your sample back.

Question 30

How expensive is MyHeritage compared to competitors?

Accepted Answer

MyHeritage DNA’s tests start at $89.00 are consistently less expensive than those of its chief competitors, 23andMe, starting at $99.00 and AncestryDNA, starting at $99.00.

Question 31

What sort of subscription plans does MyHeritage offer?

Accepted Answer

MyHeritage’s genealogy service is available in several tiers. Its Basic service is free, but only allows you to add 250 people to your family tree, and doesn’t let you add Smart Matches from the company’s historical records database to your tree.

The Premium subscription can accommodate 2,500 family members, and includes Smart Matches, as does its PremiumPlus subscription, which can accommodate a family tree of unlimited size.

Then there is a Historical Record Data plan that is limited to 250 people, like the basic service, but lets you access the company’s entire 12 + billion record database of historical data. And finally, the Complete package is limitless both in how many people your family tree can accommodate, and how many historical records you may access.

MyHeritage also offers a Health subscription that updates your DNA findings to reflect new health reports as they become available.

Question 32

Do the MyHeritage at-home DNA test kits ever go on sale?

Accepted Answer

MyHeritage regularly offers special discounts and deals throughout the year. You can also always find up-to-date coupon codes for MyHeritage’s test kits on our coupons page.

Question 33

What are the symptoms of high and low testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a normal level of testosterone is essential for your health and wellness, playing a key role in fertility, bone health and density, mood, and more. If your level of testosterone is abnormal, it can have a significant impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Symptoms of high testosterone levels in males include:

Acne
Infertility
Mood swings
Aggressive behavior
Excessive body hair
Higher than the usual sex drive
High blood pressure

Symptoms of low testosterone levels in males include:

Weight gain
Loss of muscles mass
Low sex drive
Lethargy
Mood swings
Reduced testicle size
Problems sleeping
Loss of body hair

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are concerned about your testosterone levels and are hoping to start a family, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Question 34

Can women take a testosterone test?

Accepted Answer

Although testosterone is usually thought of as a ‘male hormone’, it’s also vital for women as well, just not at the same levels. In women, testosterone plays a key role in the maintenance and growth of bones, increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat, the menstrual cycle, and maintaining a healthy sex drive, as well as potentially supporting cardiovascular health.

So, yes women can and should take a testosterone test if they are concerned that their testosterone levels are outside the normal range.

Symptoms of low testosterone in women include sexual dysfunction, thinning hair, drying skin, a loss in muscle mass, increase in body fat, and mood changes. High testosterone in women can cause excess acne, abnormal body hair growth, smaller breasts, menstrual irregularities, deeper voice, and easy weight gain.

Question 35

What are normal testosterone levels?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, blood testosterone levels are measured as ng/dl, and the normal ranges for adults are detailed in the table below.

Age	Males (ng/dl)	Females (ng/dl)
17-18 years	300 – 1200	20 – 75
19+ years	240 – 950	8 – 60

If you’re taking a saliva test – like that from Everlywell – your testosterone level is likely to be measured as pg/ml and for comparison, 1ng/dl = 10pg/ml.

People will have different levels of testosterone within this healthy range depending on age, weight, and other lifestyle factors. If you’re concerned about the results of your testosterone test, it’s advised that you discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Question 36

Who should get a testosterone test?

Accepted Answer

An at-home or lab-based testosterone test is the first step in understanding why you may be experiencing the symptoms of abnormal levels of the hormone. You can take the results of your testosterone test to your healthcare provider who can help determine if health issues, underlying conditions, or lifestyle choices are influencing your testosterone production.

Question 37

What is the difference between blood and saliva testosterone tests?

Accepted Answer

The main difference in blood and saliva tests is the type of testosterone that&rsquo;s measured. A saliva test measures your level of free testosterone i.e. the testosterone that isn&rsquo;t bound to proteins. A blood test measure total testosterone, which is both the free and bound hormone.

Question 38

What is a DNA kit?

Accepted Answer

A DNA kit enables people to gather their own DNA easily, typically through a cheek swab or saliva collection. This sample is sent to a lab for evaluation, yielding data on ancestry, genetic characteristics, and possible health concerns.

Question 39

How accurate are DNA kits?

Accepted Answer

The accuracy of DNA kits can differ based on the company and the type of analysis conducted. In general, reputable DNA testing companies offer reliable and accurate results. However, it&rsquo;s crucial to keep in mind that while ancestry-related information is generally dependable, health-related data should be interpreted cautiously and verified by healthcare professionals.

Question 40

What can DNA kits reveal?

Accepted Answer

DNA kits can reveal a range of information about an individual. Ancestry DNA tests can provide insights into a person&rsquo;s ethnic origins, regional heritage, and even identify potential relatives. Some DNA kits also offer health-related information, such as carrier status for certain genetic conditions, predispositions to diseases, or traits like lactose intolerance or hair color.

Question 41

Are DNA kits private and secure?

Accepted Answer

Privacy and security are important concerns when it comes to DNA kits. Reputable DNA testing companies have privacy policies in place to protect customers&rsquo; data and typically allow individuals to control the sharing of their genetic information. However, it&rsquo;s crucial to carefully review the company&rsquo;s policies and understand how your data will be used before using a DNA kit.

Question 42

Can DNA kits be used for paternity testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DNA kits can be used for paternity testing. There are specific DNA testing kits designed for paternity and relationship testing purposes. These kits compare the genetic information between the alleged father, child, and, if available, the mother, to determine the likelihood of a biological relationship.

Question 43

How long does it take to get DNA kit results?

Accepted Answer

The turnaround time for DNA kit results varies between different companies and the type of analysis being conducted. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to receive your results. However, some companies offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can provide results in a shorter time frame. It&rsquo;s important to check the specific company&rsquo;s website or contact their customer support for the most accurate information regarding result timelines.

Question 44

How much does an STD test cost?

Accepted Answer

STD tests vary in price depending on how many STDs you want to screen for. Individual tests start as low as $24, such as STDcheck.com, while more comprehensive kits like an STD panel with HIV early detection test from HealthLabs can be $300+.

More expensive kits usually test for 10 or more STDs at once and are good value for money if you have no specific concerns or just want to routinely check up on your sexual health.

Question 45

How much does an STD test cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Question 46

Where can you get tested for STDs for free?

Accepted Answer

You might be able to get STD testing for a cheaper price or even free if you have health insurance. Check your terms and conditions to see if STD testing is covered.

It’s unlikely that this includes at-home STD testing, though, so you have to head to the doctor’s office instead.

Some Planned Parenthood centers also offer free STD testing, but you won’t be able to take the test in the comfort of your own home.

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