With growing popularity of genetic testing, many individuals naturally ask, what kind of DNA testing is right for me? The answer to that is driven by your immediate and long-term needs, interests and budget. The following gives you an overview of different DNA testing methods, features, limitations, and costs.
| Type of assay | Details | Examples | No. of genes | Estimated costs | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific genotyping test | This type of DNA testing is typically prescribed by your physician or dietitian or other professional practitioners to check the type of a specific gene. | Lactose intolerance, Gluten Intolerance, MTHFR, Plavix response, Warfarin sensitivity | typically less than 10 | < $50 | You only learn about a specific gene and other genetic data is not captured. |
| Small panel genotyping test | This type of DNA testing is typically prescribed by your physician or other professional practitioners to check on a set of several genes relating to an area of interest. | DNA testing for Weight Loss, Skin, Nutrition, fitness, Health predisposition | ~10-100 | < $100 | You only learn about a specific set of genes and other genetic data is not captured. |
| Large panel genotyping test | This type of DNA testing is typically prescribed by your physician or other professional practitioners or cab be opted for by yourself, to learn about a large number of genes relating to a number of attributes, traits, and conditions. | DNA testing for Ancestry, Health, Nutrition, Fitness, Allergies, Cognition, Skin, and Hair | >500,000 | < $200 | You get to know your genotypes on a large number of genes. You may or may not use all of this info today, but it’s available for future use without having to redo the test. |
| Single or a set of genes sequencing test | This type of DNA testing is typically prescribed by your physician to check the full sequence of one specific gene or a collection of them. | Cancer DNA testing or other inherited disease | typically up to a 100 genes | $200 to $1000 | You only learn about a specific set of genes and not capture the full genome. |
| Full genome sequencing test | This type of DNA testing is typically prescribed by your physician to check the full sequence of your entire genome. It’s estimated that only 98% of human genome is known today. But, once you do this test, you do not have to do it again. | Cancer genes, other inherited disease, DNA testing for other known attributes such as nutrition, fitness, physical attributes, ancestry, etc. | not applicable | $1000 to $2000 | Even though you have the full genome data, only a small part of it is understood today. |
You can find a list of some of the popular genetic testing companies here. Please feel free to get in touch with us in case you have any questions in relation to genetic testing.
Also Read: Worrier Or Warrior? Analyze Your DNA Raw Data For COMT – The Warrior Gene
