CRI Genetics’ DNA testing services are very similar to those offered by some of the industry’s “big name” providers in the areas of ancestry and health. This company makes a big point about testing nearly 650,000 markers across your genome, which arguably provides greater accuracy, but is this enough to justify its prices?
CRI Genetics Overview: More Than Merely Health Screening
While CRI Genetics states that genetic analysis is the future of medicine (and says as much on its website), it offers much more than merely health screening. It provides a detailed breakdown of your ethnic background and genetic ancestry in addition to reports regarding general genetic traits that could affect your diet and fitness goals.
CRI Genetics claims that its lab offers highly accurate reporting, as a result of analyzing nearly 650,000 genetic markers. However, I’m not sure whether this justifies the high costs of its tests, and if it is better to go with a different DNA test. For example, AncestryDNA is much cheaper but it also provides access to the world’s largest database of records.
How CRI Genetics Works: Taking the Test(s)
Any CRI Genetics test requires a simple three-step process of ordering the test (to be delivered within five days), swabbing your cheek and sending in the sample (in a prepaid package), and exploring your results six to eight weeks later.
Unlike most DNA testing companies, this one’s Eight Week Efficiency Guarantee promises to pay back your money if your results aren’t ready within eight weeks of sending in your sample. Most results are ready within four weeks.
CRI Genetics: Detailed Look at the Ancestry Test Offered
The ancestry report provides a detailed breakdown of your ethnicities (with percentages), an ancestry timeline report (which goes back over 50+ generations), and paternal/maternal biogeographical ancestry reports (based on your Y-DNA and mtDNA, respectively):
Your Y-DNA is the DNA contained within your Y chromosome (if you’re male) that only gets passed down from fathers to sons; it provides a way to trace your paternal lineage. Your mtDNA is the mitochondrial DNA that gets passed down to both males and females from their mothers; it provides a way to trace your maternal lineage. Not all ancestry companies test these types of DNA.
Your ancestry results are presented in a user-friendly, interactive format with maps and historical context to make exploration more fun:
If you’re up for even more fun, CRI Genetics will tell you all about the famous people you might be related to on your mother’s and father’s sides of the family. Who knows? You could be related to Nicolaus Copernicus!
If that’s not fun enough for you, how about finding out that you’re related to Elvis Presley or Princess Diana?
Value-Added Features:
A detailed breakdown of your ethnicity
Analysis of Y-DNA and mtDNA to trace your paternal and maternal family lines
Results presented in a user-friendly format with interactive maps and charts
Historical context regarding cultures, settlements, and migrations
Fun facts about famous potential relatives
Similar Test to Consider:
AncestryDNA has more than 15 million DNA tests in its database, which makes it one of the largest around. It also breaks down your percentage ethnicities precisely into 1,000+ regions around the world.
The same thing can be said for some of the other tests, and you won’t have to do much shopping around to find a better deal for a weight loss DNA test and report. In terms of health tests, the one from 23andMe costs about the same as CRI’s, but it’s more comprehensive and FDA-approved.
If you are willing to pay the prices for CRI Genetics’ tests, you can do so via Visa, other credit cards, or PayPal. Be aware that the advertised price doesn’t include shipping, which costs a few dollars extra. And remember, this company promises to refund your money if your results are not available within eight weeks.
There are no ongoing subscription fees.
Ancestry
Ancestry
Trace your ancestry throughout human evolution, migration history
Test checks 842,824 DNA markers for precision results
Get detailed breakdowns of African, Asian, European ancestry
Customer Support: Satisfactory Self-Support Resources and Good Live Chat
For self-support purposes, CRI Genetics provides a regularly-updated informative blog and an acceptable (but not exceptional) set of frequently asked questions arranged into three categories: General, Ancestry, and Health & Wellness:
If these resources don’t answer all your questions, you can contact the company via email, snail mail (regular post), telephone, or live chat. I enjoyed a particularly fruitful interaction with a live chat agent:
Worth a Look, but You’ll Find Better Bargains Elsewhere
There is a lot to be said for CRI Genetics, but there are lots of competitors offering very similar ancestry services that may be better, or cheaper, or both. I’m talking about companies like 23andMe, MyHeritage, and AncestryDNA.
It’s the same story in the health space, where diet and fitness DNA tests from Vitagenecould give you more value for your money.
This is not to say there is anything bad about CRI Genetics, and it does have some good credentials when it comes to testing more genetic markers than many other companies. It could also be a good option if you are looking for a wide range of information in dual categories like Ancestry + Health or Weight Loss + Allergy.
CRI Genetics promises 99.9% + accuracy in your final report. It’s a big claim, but CRI has the scientific pedigree, tech, and methodology to back it up. The lab will look at over 642,824 genetic markers across your genome before delivering your results.
How long does it take to receive test results from CRI Genetics?
CRI guarantees to deliver your genetic reports in fewer than 8 weeks. Those 8 weeks begin the day that the lab receives your DNA sample, provided your DNA passes quality analysis. If you don’t get your results within that time, CRI promises to refund your money.
How much does a CRI Genetics test cost? (Any discounts?)
CRI’s ancestry test comes at a price that’s comparable with similar products from some of the biggest names on the market, e.g., 23andMe and AncestryDNA. However, given that those vendors offer test results that are far more detailed and nuanced, it’s arguable that CRI’s product should be at least a little cheaper. The same holds true for CRI’s test for weight loss. The fact is that you don’t have to do much shopping around to find better deals.
What types of things can you learn from a CRI Genetics test?
CRI Genetics can provide insights on one’s ancestry, how their genes affect their overall health, e.g., allergies and nutrition (but not diseases and disorders), and how one’s DNA potentially influences weight loss.
Who should consider taking a CRI Genetics test?
CRI Genetics is good for someone looking to explore their ancestry, get insights about their health and wellness, or create a nutritional plan that’s best suited to their genetics, and doesn’t mind paying a little more for those services then the would with similar vendors.
Detailed Look at the Diet and Fitness Tests Offered
Note that what we classify as “diet and fitness” tests here at DNAWeekly, CRI Genetics categorizes as “health” tests, so you’ll find these under the Health heading on its website.
Since everyone’s DNA is unique, there’s no single diet that’s suitable for all. Having insight into what your genes indicate about your ideal nutrition can be very valuable, particularly when it comes to meeting your weight and fitness goals.
The Ancestry + Health Test
As its name suggests, the Ancestry + Health test includes all the aforementioned ancestry information, plus what this company deems to be health-related information. You can’t buy the Health test alone, only alongside Ancestry or Allergies tests (the latter of which is discussed next).
At the highest level, you get a dashboard-like indication of your likely health status, based on your DNA. This is complemented by a personalized DNA diet plan.
Digging deeper, your Health & Wellness report focuses on how your body is likely to metabolize substances, such as caffeine. It also includes some useful information about your likely levels of hormones, including testosterone. Your Nutrition report indicates your body’s possible needs for certain nutrients (such as iron) and its potential intolerances (to things like lactose).
To be truly a “health” report, it would also have to detail your genetic dispositions to certain diseases and your carrier statuses for congenital conditions that you could pass on to your children.
Value-Added Features:
Includes the Ancestry report
Health & Wellness reports include likely hormone levels, metabolism of substances, and sleep patterns
Nutrition reports include your genetic ability to absorb different vitamins, any nutrient deficiencies, and potential food intolerances
A recommended DNA diet plan
Nearly 650,000 genetic markers analyzed
Similar Tests to Consider
23andMe offers a similar-sounding Health + Ancestry test. It also checks your predispositions to several genetic diseases, your carrier statuses for several congenital conditions, and many of the wellness traits covered by CRI Genetics.
Vitagene has a number of health and ancestry packages that provide an ethnic report of similar depth, plus personalized DNA-based recommendations regarding your diet and exercise.
The Allergy Test
Just as you can buy the Health test alongside the Ancestry test, you can also buy the Allergy test included with the Health test (as Allergy + Health) or the Weight Loss test (as Weight Loss + Allergy, discussed next). You cannot buy the Allergy test on its own.
The additional allergy information tells you if you are at low, medium, or high risk of reacting to common allergens found in pollens, animals, and foods:
Value-Added Features:
Includes the Health report or the Weight Loss report (discussed next)
Tells you which common allergens you may need to avoid
Lets you know your low, moderate, and high sensitivity levels
Similar Tests to Consider
DNAfit tests for food intolerances, but not allergies (which it regards as different).
HomeDNA offers a Food and Pet Sensitivity DNA Test, but it too distinguishes between sensitivities and allergies. The vendor recommends seeking a professional diagnosis if you think you could have an actual allergy.
The Weight Loss Test
The FatSwitch weight loss test can be bought alone (as Weight Loss) or alongside the allergy test (as Weight Loss + Allergy).
The report for this test provides you with a weight loss plan that’s driven by your DNA. It identifies the best nutrients for your body, and considering your weight loss objectives. It also includes meal plans plus exercise and body mass index (BMI) reports to help keep you on track.
Value-Added Features:
A DNA-driven customized weight loss plan
Meal ideas and nutrient suggestions
Exercise and BMI reports to keep you on track
Similar Tests to Consider
Athletigen might not be the most well-known vendor, but it offers in-depth, personalized, comprehensive diet and fitness test results at a competitive price.
Orig3n offers such a wide variety of products for your diet and fitness needs that you’re almost certain to find the right report and test for you.
If you are willing to pay the prices for CRI Genetics’ tests, you can do so via Visa, other credit cards, or PayPal. Be aware that the advertised price doesn’t include shipping, which costs a few dollars extra. And remember, this company promises to refund your money if your results are not available within eight weeks.
There are no ongoing subscription fees.
Ancestry
Ancestry
Trace your ancestry throughout human evolution, migration history
Test checks 842,824 DNA markers for precision results
Get detailed breakdowns of African, Asian, European ancestry
Satisfactory Self-Support Resources and Good Live Chat
For self-support purposes, CRI Genetics provides a regularly-updated informative blog and an acceptable (but not exceptional) set of frequently asked questions arranged into three categories: General, Ancestry, and Health & Wellness:
If these resources don’t answer all your questions, you can contact the company via email, snail mail (regular post), telephone, or live chat. I enjoyed a particularly fruitful interaction with a live chat agent:
Worth a Look, but You’ll Find Better Bargains Elsewhere
There is a lot to be said for CRI Genetics, but there are lots of competitors offering very similar ancestry services that may be better, or cheaper, or both. I’m talking about companies like 23andMe, MyHeritage, and AncestryDNA.
It’s the same story in the health space, where diet and fitness DNA tests from Vitagene and Orig3n could give you more value for your money.
This is not to say there is anything bad about CRI Genetics, and it does have some good credentials when it comes to testing more genetic markers than many other companies. It could also be a good option if you are looking for a wide range of information in dual categories like Ancestry + Health or Weight Loss + Allergy.
CRI Genetics promises 99.9% + accuracy in your final report. It’s a big claim, but CRI has the scientific pedigree, tech, and methodology to back it up. The lab will look at over 642,824 genetic markers across your genome before delivering your results.
How long does it take to receive test results from CRI Genetics?
CRI guarantees to deliver your genetic reports in fewer than 8 weeks. Those 8 weeks begin the day that the lab receives your DNA sample, provided your DNA passes quality analysis. If you don’t get your results within that time, CRI promises to refund your money.
How much does a CRI Genetics test cost? (Any discounts?)
CRI’s ancestry test comes at a price that’s comparable with similar products from some of the biggest names on the market, e.g., 23andMe and AncestryDNA. However, given that those vendors offer test results that are far more detailed and nuanced, it’s arguable that CRI’s product should be at least a little cheaper. The same holds true for CRI’s test for weight loss. The fact is that you don’t have to do much shopping around to find better deals.
What types of things can you learn from a CRI Genetics test?
CRI Genetics can provide insights on one’s ancestry, how their genes affect their overall health, e.g., allergies and nutrition (but not diseases and disorders), and how one’s DNA potentially influences weight loss.
Who should consider taking a CRI Genetics test?
CRI Genetics is good for someone looking to explore their ancestry, get insights about their health and wellness, or create a nutritional plan that’s best suited to their genetics, and doesn’t mind paying a little more for those services then the would with similar vendors.
Joseph Levy
Writer
Joseph Levy is a transplant from New York and currently living in Cyprus. After receiving his law degree and acquiring eight years of experience in the civil side of American law, he moved to the Mediterranean and shifted his focus from being an attorney to his first love: content writing. Joseph prioritizes not only honest accuracy, but also providing an informative and interesting perspective on whatever he puts his name to.
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CRI Genetics User Reviews
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5 User Reviews
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Eric
United States
Don't believe the hype
Most of the negative reviews are because they can't handle the shock to their reality and the myths that make up their story. That is not a reflection of the science, it is a showing of new data that does not fit the historical record of the conquerors which is a good thing.
D. O'Connor
United States
I was very surprised
A friend recommended CRI Genetics to me. They sent the test kit right away and I got my results very fast, like 5 weeks from the time I mailed it back. It said I am mostly German, and I do have a lot of German blood. However, m...Show More
y Mother's maternal side is 100% Irish and I know that. No Irish ancestry was shown, just English. There is some English, but where was the Irish? My mother is at least 50% Irish, probably more, but not a trace detected. Also, from family history I KNOW we have no Indian ancestry in the 19th Century, or probably in any other Century. I found the results interesting, but not really accurate. Also, I had a real problem accessing their Website, which took weeks to resolve.
Like their work. Results consistent with my family tree and the few surprises made it all worthier. Could improve thier geographical breakdown. Last but not least the support team is very helpful and considerate. 👍
Francis McLeod
United States
Confused
Using its multifaceted methods, i would be inclined to accept CRI -G's report. EXCEPT, i happen to be (even gov'mt in US documents) to be of Ojibway (native american) descent. CRI-G didn't find that. Instead it reported my gene...Show More
tics include 28.4 percent Peruvian or Inca indian. Indians 4000 miles removed from Ojibway lands. Ancestry.com found the Ojibway part of my heritage via family tags going back to the 1600's. I have to admit being confused. I can't really, really buy into CRI-G's report.
I have an extensive genealogy going back many generations. All known ancestors were in the Netherlands and surrounding areas, and a history of Viking visits to the area would explain possible genetic connections with Scandinavians...Show More
. However, my CRI Genetics report suggested some ancestry in the Iberian Peninsula, which makes me skeptical while ancestry in places such as the Caribbean and India makes me wonder how that could happen. My distant ancestors may have come out of Africa, but I doubt there were folks from those locales visiting my ancestral European locales and contributing their genes. There may be something I don't understand, but
