The science of DNA Testing has advanced rapidly over the last 20 years. When DNA was first used, it evaluated paternity, but now it can measure thousands of markers. There are many benefits of DNA testing, but that’s not our concern today.
Instead, we are going to mention the five biggest reasons why people are afraid of DNA Testing (and why they are mistaken).
Insurance
People are afraid if they take a DNA Test, and it reveals a severe issue, they may lose health insurance. This whole idea is alarming. Just because you have the same genes, you won’t have the same health issues; you only have more chance of developing it than some other people.
If DNA Test data was so important, why don’t insurance companies test you before giving the insurance? Yes, the insurance companies would have made it a part of their application process.
Legal Issues
Another common fear is the legal issues. If you don’t have a criminal record, or past, then you shouldn’t worry about it. No one will find your DNA at a crime scene. Moreover, the court won’t accept the samples if there is no chain of custody. Each test needs multiple forms of identification.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of letting someone take your DNA samples, you can do the testing at home. Get a Genetic Testing Kit, and do the test yourself.
Privacy
We agree this is a valid concern. Perhaps this is the biggest concern related to DNA testing. Most people are afraid that the testing company would hand over their test results to a third party. Even worse, some people think DNA testing is some government conspiracy to obtain your DNA, ha!
DNA is nothing private; we leave a trace of our DNA whenever we touch anything. Therefore, if the government wanted our DNA, they would already have it. Agencies can take out DNA samples right from your trash.
Another common concern is the DNA Testing agency will share their test results with peers or add it to a corporate database for third parties. There is no such thing.
Identity Theft
When was the last time you were asked for your DNA to confirm your identity? If someone wanted to steal your identity, they would go after your social security number and banking information. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry about your Genetics.
It’s not that the company is going to upload your genetic information to a public domain for everyone to access. No one is submitting their DNA Data to take credit out. But if something asks you for a sample in return for credit card or mortgage, you better leave the offer.
So, don’t worry, no one will steal your clothes or gum and make a credit card out of it.
Research
Another common but valid reason. Yes, companies can sell your data for research purposes, but you need to be careful and read their terms carefully to see how they will store your data. If they don’t have anything mentioned about safekeeping or further use of your data, then you better leave the company.
Have you considered DNA Testing?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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