Best DNA Kits to Test for Genetic Disorders

Last updated December 13, 2024Written by human, not by AI

Genetic disorders are health problems caused by abnormalities in your genome. Polygenic disorders are commonly used to describe the most common genetic disorders; however, the term is also used to describe several disorders caused by genetic mutations in the chromosome. Down syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and other genetic disorders are examples. The responsible mutation can occur spontaneously or be inherited from two parents who are carriers of the gene that causes such disorders to develop.

Testing your DNA for genetic problems is important for a variety of reasons, including determining your risk of developing such diseases or determining whether you and your significant other carry genetic diseases that you can inherit. Whatever the reason, with simple DNA testing, you can now learn how your genes affect your health and if you carry genetic disorders in your DNA. Here's our 9Ranks comparison, which will tell you everything you need to know about these tests, their prices, and other features.

Index

#123andMe

Pros

  • Some of the health tests are FDA-approved
  • Excellent interactive features
  • Health Predisposition Reports
  • Carrier Status Reports

Cons

  • No guaranteed vision of your future health
  • Stores your information
  • No Raw Genetic Data Uploading

23andMe is one of the best DNA test services, and when it comes to finding where your ancestors are originally from and what geographic path they took throughout history, you can rely on this small and simple DNA kit to reveal almost everything about who you truly are. However, by including a health test, you can learn a lot more about yourself, especially when it comes to one of the most important things: your health. Your DNA carries a lot of information about you, and it can easily be translated by DNA as a genetic disorder.

23andMe offers numerous health reports, and the trait test can provide critical information about your genetic risks for a type of nerve and heart damage, dementia, cancer, anemia, chronic kidney disease, gluten-related autoimmune disorder, liver disease, and many other disorders based on your genetic makeup. You can also view scientific details, learn more about the reference populations used to calculate your results, and participate in the discussion on 23andMe. A simple at-home DNA testing kit can help you learn even more about yourself in this way.

The basic ancestry testing kit costs $99.00, and the Health + Ancestry kit is $199.00. If you want both pieces of information, you must buy both. Given that you're paying a company to obtain and store information about your personal DNA, the cost is something to consider. Nonetheless, 23andMe's test processing time is short, the results are generally accurate, and there are great interactive features that make the entire experience a lot more enjoyable.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:3-4 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

Ancestry kit
Ancestry Test
Price:
$ 99.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Health + Ancestry
Ancestry and Health Test
Price:
$ 199.00
Shipping:
$9.95
23andMe+
1 Year Subscription
Price:
$ 29.00
Shipping:
-

#2FamilyTreeDNA

FamilyTreeDNA

Pros

  • One in-house laboratory
  • No subscription fees
  • Multiple testing options
  • Able to test mtDNA

Cons

  • Long processing time
  • Weak privacy protection
  • Results can be quite broad

FamilyTreeDNA is a DNA testing service that focuses on creating a digital family tree based on a review of your DNA and knowledge of your roots, ancestors, and history. However, their service includes an examination of genetic traits that indicate the possibility of developing certain genetic disorders that you were previously unaware of. The test is performed by selecting Y-DNA or mtDNA tests; these are the tests that are directly related to diseases. When testing mtDNA for hereditary reasons, a region of the DNA is sequenced to look for mutations, which may be the cause of developing genetic disorders.

Testing your genetics with a FamilyTreeDNA kit may reveal information about your health. By ordering the mtDNA kit, the results of the sequencing can also reveal your metabolic and other diseases you may develop or inherit like chronic diseases, all for the same price. This is probably one of the best aspects of FamilyTreeDNA, which not only provides a variety of testing options but is also one of the cheapest DNA testing services. And by the way, no subscription fees are required.

The pricing structure of FamilyTreeDNA is straightforward, with different prices for each package. The most affordable kit is the Family Finder DNA kit, which starts at $79.00 plus shipping. The Paternal Ancestry (Y-DNA) test costs $119.00, while the Maternal Ancestry (mtDNA) test costs $159.00 $159, and the combined test costs $159.00. The last two packages are required to test your DNA for genetic disorders and while it may sound expensive, you can always save money by uploading raw DNA data from a previous test with another provider, making this s fairly good deal.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:2-8 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

Family Finder
Ancestry only
Price:
$ 79.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Family Finder + myDNA Wellness
Ancestry + Wellbeing kit
Price:
$ 119.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Paternal Ancestry
Y-37 DNA kit
Price:
$ 119.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Maternal Ancestry
mtDNA kit
Price:
$ 159.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Paternal Ancestry
Y-11 DNA kit
Price:
$ 249.00
Shipping:
$9.95
Paternal Ancestry
Big Y-700 DNA kit
Price:
$ 449.00
Shipping:
$9.95

#3SelfDecode

SelfDecode

Pros

  • lets you import a raw genetic data
  • Reasonably Priced
  • Short processing time
  • Accessible and easy to understand

Cons

  • Results are not FDA-approved
  • No access to genetic counselors
  • Additional reports cost more

The mission of SelfDecode is to provide the general public with a thorough resource and data for understanding your DNA and discovering what makes you unique. The service offers three different testing packages for genetic disorders inherited through your genes: APoE, Function, and MTHFR. These tests will teach you about your chances of developing cognitive dysfunction, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases linked to a specific genotype, cognitive issues, and, most importantly, how your genes affect your body's ability to detect which genetic disorders are linked to its mutations.

The SelfDecode results are simple to understand, which is not surprising given that the test focuses on health and well-being rather than ancestry and geographic roots. In this case, SelfDecode also allows you to explore your genes by uploading your DNA data into the software, eliminating the need for a separate test kit. The only catch is that, unlike the other services on this list, the reports provided by this service are not FDA-approved. Furthermore, the service does not provide access to genetic counselors.

SelfDecode's DNA testing kit costs $99.00 for those who do not already have raw DNA testing data. This kit can be used at a SelfDecode lab to sequence your genes. Unfortunately, just to sign up for the service, you must purchase a subscription, and the basic annual subscription plan only includes five premium DNA Wellness reports. For people who already have compatible DNA data, the annual subscription is $97.00 or $297.00 for unlimited access. Additional reports are more expensive, making the entire process more expensive when compared to other services.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:1-2 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

Upload File + Health Insights
Analysis of DNA file
Price:
$ 79.00
Shipping:
$12.00
DNA Kit + Health Insights
Home DNA kit + health insights
Price:
$ 149.00
Shipping:
$12.00
Upload File + Premium Insights
Analysis of DNA file + Premium health insights
Price:
$ 297.00
Shipping:
$12.00
DNA Kit + Premium Insights
Home DNA kit + Premium health insights
Price:
$ 399.00
Shipping:
$12.00

#4MyHeritage

MyHeritage

Pros

  • Carrier status reports
  • Covers hundreds of variants
  • Extensive historical records database
  • Free-to-use features

Cons

  • Tricky sample collection process
  • Access to historical records requires subscription
  • inconsistent compared to other services

While MyHeritage is great for building your family tree, the MyHeritage DNA Health test will reveal how your genes may affect your health and, potentially, the health of your family members. The test examines a variety of diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson, and hereditary breast cancer, and conditions that are caused by multiple variants as well, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In addition, there are also carrier status reports on conditions that can be passed down such as Tay-Sachs disease and cystic fibrosis.

The MyHeritage DNA Health test covers a wide range of genetic disorders, but it does not cover every gene and possible variant associated with genetic risks. Some conditions may be excluded from your reports due to your ethnicity or your health history. Because this test only looks at a subset of a condition's variants, having a thorough history of the condition you are investigating may necessitate more extensive testing. In this regard, we would like to remind you that whatever you decide to do with the results — you should first consult with a doctor or an expert.

The MyHeritage DNA Health test will set you back $199.00 plus shipping. Customers who have previously tested with MyHeritage DNA can pay $120.00 to receive the health reports without having to retest their DNA all over again. Both of these prices are considered reasonable, however, you must sign up for a paid subscription to access the company's massive database of historical records and other premium records, which can be costly. A premium membership, on the other hand, gives you access to extra features like the Family Tree Builder Premium, which includes Smart Match Merge and interactive maps.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:3-4 Weeks

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

MyHeritage DNA kit
Ancestry only
Price:
$ 89.00
Shipping:
$12.00
MyHeritage DNA Health Upgrade
Genetic risk and carrier status reports
Price:
$ 120.00
Shipping:
$12.00

#5ClarityX

ClarityX

Pros

  • Genetic Testing for Medication Response
  • Clinical guidance from the FDA
  • Genetic Testing for MTHFR
  • Analysis of your current medications

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Only available in the US
  • Only covers a small portion of genes

ClarityX provides a one-of-a-kind DNA testing kit for health that includes a test for genetic disorders. The ClarityX Mindwell test predicts how you will react to hundreds of FDA-approved medications based on your genetic profile. This package is one the most comprehensive DNA testing kits, and it has several benefits such as an analysis of your current medications, a personalized risk management profile that also includes the genetic disorders MTHFR variant, and individualized medication dosing guidelines as well.

The Clarity Max RX test focuses on a fairly broad range of genetic diseases and can tell you if you carry variants that include dementia, Alzheimer's, and even various mental illnesses. ClarityX is one of the most unique services in this regard as it offers a DNA test for mental health called the CalrityX Mindwell test. You will be able to discover an even broader range of genetic diseases this way because mental diseases are also known to be inherited.

While the ClarityX Mindwell Test for mental health costs $399.00, the ClarityX Max Rx Test is significantly more expensive, costing $499.00. There is no doubt that this is a significant sum of money to pay. Another irritating aspect of ClarityX is that its service is only available in the United States. However, keep in mind that this is one of the only ways to truly understand not only your health and well-being but also your mind. It will also clarify the potential health effects of your medications and the types of medications you should avoid.

Specifications

Comparison
Processing time:7-10 Days

Types of tests

FamilyTreeDNA Test:
Y-DNA Test:
mtDNA Test:
Health Testing:

How DNA sample is obtained

Saliva Sample:
Cheek swab Sample:
Feces Sample:
Family Tree Software:
Imports From Other Software:
Export Results:

DNA Kits

ClarityX Mindwell
Complete roadmap to your medications
Price:
$ 399.00
Shipping:
$0.00
ClarityX Max Rx
Which medications will work best for you
Price:
$ 499.00
Shipping:
$0.00
A Comparison of DNA Testing Kits
23andMeFamilyTreeDNASelfDecodeMyHeritageClarityX
Processing time3-4 Weeks2-8 Weeks1-2 Weeks3-4 Weeks7-10 Days
Types of tests
FamilyTreeDNA Test
Y-DNA Test
mtDNA Test
Health Testing
How DNA sample is obtained
Saliva Sample
Cheek swab Sample
Feces Sample
Family Tree Software
Imports From Other Software
Export Results

Your Genes Contain a Wealth of Information

Genetic disorders are human diseases caused by gene mutations in the X-Chromosome. Certain DNA variants can increase the risk that your children will develop certain conditions if your partner has the same variants. Knowing if you have a higher risk of developing or passing on a genetic condition can help you better manage your health.

Despite the importance of DNA testing for genetic disorders, there are some diseases that are inherited and have a close relationship to your ancestors and your geographic origins. In many cases, genetic diseases are found in specific populations, such as Tay-Sachs disease, which is widely common among Ashkenazi Jews, Cajuns, and French-Canadian populations.

A simple DNA test can reveal not only your genome and the likelihood of you or your partner for hereditary genetic diseases, but also your family history over time. There are numerous services that allow you to learn about your ancestors and the unique journey they took in dispersing their genes throughout history.

Please remember that this DNA test only determines the potential of any genetic risks, and not your overall risk of developing or passing on a genetic condition. These are influenced by other factors such as lifestyle and environment, and therefore, you should not put all your hopes in such a test entirely, no matter how thorough it is.

These great services also include a number of cool features that make the experience more enjoyable, and sometimes, they can even be used for free. As well, we understand that a DNA test may raise privacy concerns for you. After all, by delivering your personal sample, you are providing information to the company of your choice. As a result, every DNA testing comparison on 9Ranks meets or exceeds the bare minimum of basic security requirements for ranking inclusion.