23andMe - DNA Testing for Android

To make discoveries about your DNA, learn about your ancestry, and discover relatives, 23andMe provides easy-to-use and easy-to-understand genetic testing and reports.

Pros

Easy to get going: After you order and receive your genetic-test kit, the hardest part may be filling up the medium-size 23andMe tube with your spit, which you then mail back to the company to begin its DNA testing.

Dig into your ancestry: With the $99 home DNA kit, you'll receive a report with a breakdown of your ancestry, charting your DNA across 155 regions worldwide and tracing the origins of your maternal and paternal ancestors. View how much you have in common with Neanderthals and discover and connect with relatives who share your DNA in the 23andMe database.

Discover health and wellness traits: For $199, you can buy a report that includes ancestry breakdown and additional detailed information of your health and wellness traits. The genetic health risk reports look at your likelihood for developing certain diseases, including Parkinson's; Alzheimer's; breast, ovarian, and other types of cancers; and vision loss.

Participation benefits research: You can choose to participate in studies that allow researchers to use your genetic data and answers as part of a larger study. If you decide to participate, 23andMe presents you with quick questions on everything from your diet to your quality of sleep. You can also participate in longer-range studies, such as a 12-week study on diet and weight loss.

23andMe says your data is "de-identified," meaning any identifying information -- including name and email -- is stripped from your genetic data. You need to opt in to research programs and can leave at any time.

Cons

Concerns about privacy: 23andMe gives you control over how and where you you share your data, and the company says it "will not sell, lease or rent your individual-level information to any third party or to a third party for research purposes without your explicit consent." But news of how law-enforcement officials used DNA services to solve a crime has raised alarms in the privacy community.

For it's part, 23andMe says it will use all practical legal and administrative resources to resist requests from law enforcement but that it may be required by law to comply with a valid court order, subpoena, or search warrant for genetic or personal information.

Confusing studies: The discoveries and insights 23andMe offers after participating in a study can feel a bit too broad to be of much use. And longer studies can feel disorganized with 23andMe not providing a lot of support or specific direction.

Not all reports and tools available in the app: You can view your reports and participate in research with the app. For most other activities, such as managing your account, sharing your reports with others, viewing relatives, or participating in forums, you need to use the 23andMe site.

Bottom Line

With the 23andMe DNA test kits, you can dig into your genetics, health risks, and family connections. While the company says that it is committed to guarding your privacy, news about Facebook's approach to user data and law enforcement's use of DNA databases may give you reason to think about how you share your genetic data.