Q: What preparations do a vitamin B12 test require?

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

Q: Does insurance cover vitamin B12 testing?

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

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.

Q: How do 23andMe and MyHeritage compare on price?

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

Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 SGD121.29) than the ones from 23andMe (starting at SGD134.91), 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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

Which vendor is less expensive: Living DNA or AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, both companies are similarly priced. Living DNA does tend to be slightly less expensive with sales or promotional pricing. Keep in mind, with Living DNA you won’t have the opportunity to build a family tree, but you will get more information about your ancient ancestry. If you are particularly interested in building a family tree or accessing AncestryDNA’s huge genealogy database, you will have to pay an additional subscription fee.

Question 17

Who should choose Living DNA over AncestryDNA?

Accepted Answer

If you have ancestors from Africa, Germany, or the British Isles, you may want to choose Living DNA over AncestryDNA, since Living DNA specializes in these areas. For example, Living DNA has 72 African sub-regions while AncestryDNA only has nine. Living DNA also has 21 sub-regions just from the British Isles. The other big reason to consider Living DNA is if you are particularly interested in exploring your ancient ancestry and learning about your haplogroups.

Question 18

Who should choose AncestryDNA over Living DNA?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in building a family tree you should choose AncestryDNA over Living DNA. Living DNA does not offer a family tree building option. Other reasons people may favor AncestryDNA include access to the massive historical archives and DNA matching databases. However, keep in mind that not all of these services are included with a DNA testing kit, you may have to pay a subscription fee if you want full access to these offerings.

Question 19

What features does Living DNA provide that AncestryDNA does not?

Accepted Answer

Living DNA provides haplogroup assignments as well as maternal and paternal lineage testing. Living DNA is able to provide this information because of it’s 3-in-1 DNA test that analyzes autosomal, Y-, and mt-DNA. For comparison, AncestryDNA only tests autosomal DNA, and does not provide haplogroup, maternal, or paternal lineage information.

Question 20

What features does AncestryDNA provide that Living DNA does not?

Accepted Answer

AncestryDNA provides extensive family tree building software and maintains the world’s largest historical database. These features help bring your family history to life and connect you with relatives. For comparison, Living DNA does not offer family tree building options and does not maintain a historical database.

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

If you&rsquo;re testing your current levels of key hormones, you&rsquo;ll need to provide a fingerprick blood sample or small urine sample. For testing the quality of your sperm, you&rsquo;ll need a semen sample, but with YO, myLAB Box, and HealthLabs, 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 HealthLabs — 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 HealthLabs. 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 HealthLabs 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 do I know if I have a food sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

If you often experience uncomfortable symptoms after consuming certain foods, you may be experiencing food sensitivity. While these symptoms vary by person, some examples include:

Bloating
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Gas
Headaches
Nausea
Rashes

The easiest way to identify which foods you be intolerant to is to take a food sensitivity test. I like Living DNA’s test because it only requires a simple cheek swab for highly accurate results.

Question 28

How accurate are at-home food sensitivity tests?

Accepted Answer

At-home food sensitivity tests can be just as accurate as those provided by your doctor. Ensure reliability by choosing a company that uses CLIA-certified labs and provides physician-reviewed results.My recommendation for best food sensitivity test is Living DNA’s Wellbeing kit.

Be aware, blood tests will measure your current levels and sensitivities, whereas saliva DNA tests will analyze your genetic predisposition to food sensitivities. For vendors measuring the latter, the accuracy will also depend on the size of the DNA database that your sample is being compared to.

Question 29

Can a food sensitivity test help ease my symptoms?

Accepted Answer

The results of a food sensitivity test will help guide an elimination diet. These foods are later reintroduced one at a time to see if any cause reactions. This helps you determine which foods you may have a sensitivity to so you can eliminate them from your diet altogether. The process of an elimination diet usually takes between 5 and 8 weeks and can result in a significant reduction or complete eradication of symptoms.

Before making significant changes to your diet, you should consult your doctor.

Question 30

What do food sensitivity tests measure?

Accepted Answer

Different types of tests will analyze different variables. Blood tests that measure your current levels &ndash; like Everlywell&rsquo;s kits &ndash; measure how your IgG or IgE antibodies react to different foods. Higher reactivity levels mean that you are more likely to have a food sensitivity or allergy.

Question 31

Are food allergies and food sensitivities the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No, food allergies and sensitivities are not the same thing. When you suffer from a food allergy, your body produces antibodies to fight off what it believes to be a threat. These antibodies can cause reactions ranging from itchy rashes to anaphylaxis, which can be deadly.

Food sensitivity is not a recognized medical condition, but those who suffer from them often experience symptoms like abdominal cramping, diarrhea, headaches, or nausea after consuming food items to which they’re intolerant.

If you think you may be suffering from a food allergy, you can confirm your suspicions by purchasing a food allergy test from HealthLabs. If you think your symptoms stem from an intolerance, I recommend the food sensitivity test from Living DNA.

Question 32

How do I take a food sensitivity test?

Accepted Answer

At-home food sensitivity tests are great tools because you can obtain a sample from the comfort of your home and receive your results in a matter of weeks. Depending on the test you choose, you may have to provide a blood, hair, or saliva sample. To ensure the best results, carefully follow the instructions that come with your test kit.

If you’re looking for the easiest at-home food sensitivity test, I recommend Living DNA. It requires only a quick cheek swab to provide accurate, insightful information.

Question 33

Does insurance cover food sensitivity tests?

Accepted Answer

It’s unlikely your insurance will cover the cost of food sensitivity tests. Also, the results and recommendations of your test shouldn’t be used as an official medical diagnosis. Still, it is always worth getting in touch with your insurance provider to understand what is covered by your plan.

If you’re looking to keep costs low, I recommend the Wellness kit from Living DNA. It offers a wealth of information at an affordable price.

Question 34

Who offers the best food sensitivity kit?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous food sensitivity tests, and the one that will work best for you depends on your needs and goals. All the tests on this list meet our high expectations and criteria. Here are some of our top picks:

If you’re looking to live an overall healthier lifestyle, which includes eating a diet that’s better for you, Living DNA provides a number of fitness and diet reports.
If you have an idea of which foods may be causing you discomfort, HealthLabs has individual sensitivity tests for dozens of food items.
If you eat a varied diet and want to test your sensitivity to a wide range of foods, Everlywell checks against an extensive list of possible intolerances.

Question 35

Can you use an at-home blood test for food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are lots of blood tests that screen for food allergies, including sensitivities and intolerances to common food groups like dairy and gluten. You can also buy blood tests that screen for environmental allergies, too. Everlywell is one of the best options for allergy testing, with kits that screen for over 200 food sensitivities.

Most at-home blood tests can’t diagnose a food allergy, but they can certainly indicate if you have a sensitivity. You should always take your results to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis before changing your diet.

Question 36

Are there at-home blood tests that screen for vitamin deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can easily find blood tests that look for vitamin deficiencies. LetsGetChecked is a great option — you can buy an all-in-one bundle that screens for essential vitamins like vitamin D, B12, and E, or just an individual vitamin D test.

In your report, you can see your vitamin levels and whether they are high, medium, or low, which is great for knowing where you may need to add supplements to your diet.

Question 37

How do you do an at-home blood test?

Accepted Answer

Taking an at-home blood test is really easy. Your kit comes with all the equipment you need to take your sample, including a detailed instructions pamphlet, usually with imagery to help you. Most kits require up to five blood spots that you provide on a card. Once you’re done, you just need to mail back your sample and wait for your results.

If you choose the walk-in lab option, these might require a full blood sample, but these are always carried out by trained nurses and are much quicker than a visit to the doctors.

Question 38

Are at-home blood tests covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Your blood test might be covered by insurance, but it usually depends on what you’re testing for. It’s always worth checking out your insurance terms and conditions to see if you might be covered.

Many companies also accept HSA/FSA cards even if they don’t accept insurance, so you can typically knock a few dollars off your test that way.

Question 39

What&rsquo;s the best at-home blood test for overall health?

Accepted Answer

Our top choice for overall wellness is LetsGetChecked. It has over 20 at-home blood kits screening all aspects of your health, including organ function, hormones, vitamin levels, STDs, and diabetes.

LetsGetChecked separates all of its tests by gender, so you only buy the kit you really need. You also get free physician support after you get your report, so they can walk you through your results.

If you’re more focused on screening allergies and intolerances, though, Everlywell is our second choice. There are loads of kits that look at food sensitivities, environmental allergies, plus all the usual wellness kits like organ function and hormone levels.

Question 40

Which dog DNA test is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Both Wisdom Panel and Embark are highly accurate, with 99% accuracy. They screen for over 350 breeds and 200,000 genetic markers to correctly identify your dog’s breed and associated health conditions, physical traits, and more.

Question 41

How long does Wisdom Panel take?

Accepted Answer

It takes 2-3 weeks from when the DNA test arrives in the lab to get your dog’s DNA results. You can track your dog’s test on your online dashboard and you’ll receive an email notification when the report is finished.

Question 42

How long does Embark take?

Accepted Answer

It takes 3-5 weeks from when the DNA test arrives in the lab to get your dog’s DNA results. You get emails along the way, so you know when your test has arrived at the lab and when it’s being assessed, as well as when the results are ready to view.

Question 43

Which is easier to use, Wisdom Panel or Embark?

Accepted Answer

Both tests require a 30-second saliva sample using a wand. Wisdom Panel kits include two plastic swabs, but Embark only has one, so it takes you less time. However, there isn’t one test easier than the other since the collection methods are the same.

Question 44

What&rsquo;s the difference between Wisdom Panel and Embark?

Accepted Answer

With either test, you can find out your dog’s breed, trace their ancestors back to great grandparents, and screen for various health conditions.

With Embark, you have extra features including paternal and maternal lines, and a relative finder. Wisdom Panel offers a free phone call with a veterinarian if your dog tests positive for any health condition, but this isn’t included with Embark.

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