Mention the term “genetic testing” and reactions can vary widely—from curiosity, to reticence or anxiety, to enthusiastic acceptance. The reality is, DNA testing has been used for decades, primarily to determine the paternity of children and to obtain forensic evidence for police investigations and legal trials.
In case your high school science classes don’t come readily to mind, here’s a quick refresher: Within every human cell are 23 pairs of chromosomes that house approximately 25,000 genes—coded instructions for building and maintenance of a human body. Our genes are composed of the chemical, DNA. DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the fundamental building block of humankind’s genetic “blueprint” and contains the biological instructions that make our species different from others, and every person (except identical twins) unique.
In the past few years, the science of DNA testing has advanced exponentially, both in the amount of information genetic tests can reveal, and in the precision and reliability of the results. Today, companies like Pathway Genomics (www.PATHWAY.com) are making it easy and affordable for consumers to test their DNA privately and securely, and gain information that can help them make more-informed health and lifestyle decisions.
So, why test? Perhaps you’re simply curious! If you’re like most people who take a personal DNA test, however, discovering the details of your DNA can help you understand more about your biology and empower you to take more proactive control of your health and wellbeing.
To continue reading more about genetic testing and how Pathway Genomics’ genetic testing services work, visit us on our blog, DNAction: Your Pathway to Human Genomics (blog.pathway.com). If you’re asking yourself, “Why should I test?” or “What can I learn?” look forward to our next set of DNA Conversation Starters on these topics.
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