At-Home DNA Testing: Using your genetic information safely, responsibly and with confidence

Direct-to-consumer DNA testing has become increasingly popular across Québec and Canada. Many people collect a sample at home, receive their report online, and then visit their doctor seeking clarity about what the results actually mean.
At Adnà, we believe this accessibility is a positive evolution — as long as it comes with accurate information, realistic expectations and strong protection of your genetic privacy.

Here is a clear overview to help you understand what these tests can reveal, their limitations, and how to use them wisely.

1. What consumer genetic tests can reveal

Most at-home DNA tests fall into four main categories, all of which are also part of Adnà’s offering:

✔️ Ancestry

Understanding your genetic origins and population background.

✔️ Relationship testing

Confirming biological relationships such as paternity, siblingship or grand-parentage, with accuracy exceeding 99.9% when performed by accredited laboratories.

✔️ Health predispositions

Identifying variants associated with increased risk for certain cardiovascular, metabolic, immune or other conditions.

✔️ Pharmacogenomics

Assessing how your body may respond to specific medications.

At Adnà, our priority is to provide these insights clearly and transparently, helping you avoid misinterpretation or unnecessary concern.

2. Genotyping vs. sequencing: two technologies, two levels of depth

Genetic testing relies on one of two main approaches:

Genotyping – Targeted analysis

The method used in most wellness or predisposition tests. It focuses on specific regions of your DNA.

Advantages: fast, reliable, affordable.
Limitations: does not cover all genes or all possible variants.

Sequencing – Broader, more detailed analysis

A much larger portion of the genome is read, generating extensive information.
Variants are classified into five categories:

1. benign
2. likely benign
3. uncertain significance
4. likely pathogenic
5. pathogenic

Very few private companies provide a full five-tier classification.
This is why Adnà works exclusively with ISO-accredited laboratories capable of analyzing and interpreting results according to international standards.

3. Important considerations and limitations: what we always explain to our clients

■ A DNA test is not a diagnosis

It indicates probability, not certainty.
A predisposition is not a disease.
And the absence of a risk variant does not guarantee immunity.

■ Emotional impact matters

Some clients find parts of their report unsettling.
It can be very helpful to plan a consultation with a health professional in order to ensure you fully understand:

• what a variant actually means,
• what the data cannot confirm,
• when a medical follow-up may be relevant.

■ Ethical considerations for children

Testing minors for adult-onset conditions requires careful thought.
At Adnà, we promote a responsible, privacy-focused approach.

■ Strict data protection

With Adnà:

• your data is never sold,
• never used for external commercial projects,
• and can be permanently deleted upon request.

All analyses are performed in accredited laboratories located in Canada or Europe, never in high-risk jurisdictions.

4. Why so many people consult a doctor after testing

Genetic information touches on identity, health and family.
Even minor findings can cause confusion when presented without clinical context.

Because of this, results often need to be confirmed through clinical-grade testing, depending on the situation.
Adnà therefore encourages a thoughtful, well-supported use of genetic information.

5. Before purchasing a DNA test: 6 essential questions

(based on official guidance in Québec)

1. Have I read the privacy policy?
2. Do I trust the company and its laboratory?
3. Have I consulted my family if the results may concern them?
4. Am I prepared to learn potentially sensitive information?
5. Do I have a healthcare professional I can speak to?
6. Have I considered my right not to know?

At Adnà, we help clients reflect on each of these points.

6. Adnà’s mission: making genetics accessible, without compromising ethics

DNA testing can provide meaningful insight into health and well-being.
But these tools must be used carefully, explained clearly and grounded in rigorous science.

Adnà is committed to:

• accessible, plain-language reporting
• partnering only with accredited laboratories
• strong protection of genetic data
• empowering public understanding
• promoting responsible, ethical use of genetic information

In conclusion

At-home DNA tests can be powerful tools for self-knowledge.
When properly understood, they support better health decisions, meaningful conversations with healthcare providers, and a deeper understanding of your biological story.

Adnà’s commitment is simple:
to provide reliable, understandable and ethical genetic information — always in service of your health and peace of mind.