Differences between technologies for genetic analysis
When it comes to genomics, we can find different types of technologies that provide different results. Organizing from the less to the more complex technology we can find genotyping, panel of genes, whole exome sequencing and whole genome sequencing.
Genetic testing direct to consumers
Companies like ADNTRO, 23andMe, MyHeritage, 24Genetics and some others, based their analysis on genotyping technologies and offer, what is called, direct to consumers (DTC) genetic testing which determines differences in genetic complement by comparing DNA positions to that of another sample or a reference sequence. It identifies small variations in genetic sequence within populations, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
In order to genotype a DNA array is needed. In this array are found the probes that have the complementary sequence of each polymorphism. The number of genetic variants analyzed change according to the type or DNA microarray. At ADNTRO we analyze 700,000 polymorphisms (SNPs) of your DNA by using the "Global Screening Array" or GSA, from the Illumina company together with genetic algorithms that allow us to impute your results and analyze up to 20M markers. By analyzing those genetic variants, we can provide a polygenic risk score that tells you your genetic predisposition to complex diseases, to metabolize the active principle of medical drugs, to convert beta-carotenes to vitamin A, etc
Clinical diagnostic tests
On the other hand, if we go to the clinical area the approach is different.
If we want to know which genetic variants might have clinical implications, we will need different technologies: gene panels, whole exome sequencing or whole genome sequencing, depending on the medical purpose. The data obtained will get up to the complete sequencing of the genome (Whole Genome Sequencing). We can analyze its complete DNA (3,200,000,000 positions), and together with complex bioinformatic analysis will be a useful information for the doctor for clinical diagnosis. Some companies have this kind of analysis available like Nebula Genomics and also ADNTRO.
Among the direct-to-consumer DNA tests available in the market, which are the best companies to consider?
Conclusion
Currently traded companies like 23andMe or MyHeritage with thousands of employees and years on the market have, objectively a high-quality report on ancestry; nonetheless, they haven´t innovated to extract as much information as possible from your genetic code. Obviously, this article has been written by the ADNTRO team, but we have done an objective analysis, comparing many factors and we consider that ADNTRO is the best test as has the most complete reports in all categories available in the market, with the best didactic and user friendly platform and with the most affordable price, as result of the vision of our company to democratize the accessibility to the genetic code and give the opportunity to everybody to learn and know themselves better.
Detailed analysis
We will review the different features of each one, looking at the reports available, their purchase options and prices, if it is possible to load Raw data from other companies, whether they offer other services, and the way the information is presented (design and user experience) .
ADNTRO GENETICS
ADNTRO is a Spanish company, founded in 2020. We base the analysis on Y-DNA (Y Chromosome), mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA), really important to identify haplogroups, and autosomal DNA testing using GSA Array technology from Illumina, that extracts 700,000 markers and with the support of genetic algorithms impute to analyze up to 20M markers that let us provide accurate information about predisposition in many areas.
Genetic Report Categories available:
- Ancestry patterns (genetic admixture and Ancestral shape), Genetic origins, composition, Haplogroups, heterozygosity ratio.
- Nutrition and personalized guides with dietary recommendations (including predisposition to obesity, food intolerances and allergies).
- Fitness and injury risk (sports performance guide).
- Personality: Behavioural genetics and other behavioral traits like happiness hormones…
- Age Better: (Telomeres length, skin aging, sleep and chronotype)
- Level of relatedness between your samples
- Other innovative studies: (Reaction to mosquito bite, Pain Scale, Ayurveda…)
- Pharmacogenetics: learn how medicaments affect your body (efficacy / toxicity)
- Health: predisposition and protection against diseases
Different tests offered and prices:
ADNTRO Pack (Nutrition, Sports, Personality, Aging better, other innovative studies)-€99
ADNTRO Premium Pack (ADNTRO+ Health and Pharmacogenetics)-125€
Access and upload of raw data: you can get your raw data from the platform and you can upload raw data from other companies
WGS, WES: Offers clinical genetic diagnosis
Regular updates of genetic information based on new research:Monthly updates for your genetic information for a year
Report layout: informative with educational approach, user friendly and easy to understand and with recommendations in some areas.
23andMe
23andMe is one of the first DTC DNA testing companies founded in the United States in 2006. It screens DNA based on Y-DNA (Y chromosome), mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) and autosomal DNA tests using Illumina Infinium® Global Screening Array and analyze more than 600,000 SNPs.
Genetic Report Categories available:
- Ancestry
- DNA Relative Finder
- Family Tree Builder
- Traits
- Wellness reports (only available in the US)
- Health Reports (only available in the US)
- Pharmacogenetic reports (only available in the US)
Different tests offered and prices:
Ancestry and traits – $99
Health & Ancestry-$199 (Available in US only)
23andMe+(Health & Ancestry)-228$ (only available in the US)
Access and upload of raw data: You can get your Raw data from the platform, however it does not accept Raw data from other companies.
WGS, WES: It does not offer clinical genetic diagnosis.
Regular updates of genetic information based on new research: if you purchase their annual subscription model, you get access to updates (only available in the US)
Report layout: Informative and educational approach.
MyHeritage
MyHeritage is a popular consumer DNA testing service focused on family history. It uses llumina's Global Screening Array (GSA) and analyzes around 700000 SNPs.
Genetic Report Categories available:
- Ancestry Origins (MyHeritage Kit and Full Plan)
- DNA Relative Finder (Complete Plan)
- Family Tree Builder (Complete Plan)
- Check Historical Data (Complete Plan)
- Pictures Tools and Deep Nostalgia™ (Complete Plan)
Different tests offered and prices:
MyHeritage Kit (Origins and relative search)- 89€
Full Plan -€199* with €199 automatic subscription renewed every year
Access and upload of raw data: You can get your Raw data from the platform and upload Raw data from another company.
WGS, WES: Does not offer clinical genetic diagnosis
Regular updates of genetic information based on new research: Only available when purchasing their annual subscription model.
Report layout: Informative
Ancestry
AncestryDNA (Ancestry) was one of the first direct-to-consumer DNA testing companies founded in 1983. The company uses an autosomal testing service that analyzes 700,000 markers that provide information about a user's ethnicity.
Genetic Report Categories available:
- Origins+ Ethnicity
- DNA Matches (Connect with other people who share your DNA)
- Personal traits
Different tests offered and prices:
Ancestry DNA-99$
World Explorer Membership+Ancestry DNA -100$ * with 79,95$ subscription automatically renewed every 3 months
Ancestry DNA+All access Membership 358 $ * with automatic subscription of 239$ renewed every 6 months
Access and upload of raw data: You can get your Raw data from the platform, however it does not accept Raw data from other companies
WGS, WES: Does not offer clinical genetic diagnosis
Regular updates of genetic information based on new research: Updated information for 3/6 months and then you can access only after subscription.
Report Design: Educational
