Press Release

Genetically defective testing

Thursday, July 3 2008

Expensive online DNA testing services won’t unlock the secrets to your past and are a waste of money, reveals Which? Computing.

In an undercover investigation, Which? Computing submitted the same two DNA samples to four web-based DNA testing companies* that claim to reveal samplers’ ancestry and chart their heritage.

The computer magazine paid between £75 and £510 for services which provided little more than a piece of paper mapping their origin. One company, 23andMe, seemed to be hedging its bets when it said that the DNA sample came from somebody of Polish, Arab or Irish decent.

Worryingly, there were discrepancies in results for the male volunteer from two companies, DNA Solutions and Oxford Ancestors. A DNA blueprint is unique, so both companies should have given the same results.

Which? Computing also discovered privacy issues in the small print. Companies could store samples of DNA for up to 20 years, share data with other organisations that conduct similar research and share results online.

There isn’t a code of practice or regulatory body for this kind of DNA testing. The Human Genetics Commission believes such testing ‘should be subject to an appropriate level of oversight’ and is paying particular attention to how long companies keep DNA samples.

Sarah Kidner, Editor, Which? Computing says, "Interest in genealogy has increased massively due to programmes like ‘Who do you think you are’ but people need to be wary of DNA testing services. It’s unlikely that any of the information we received would help in researching a family tree. In fact, the results are so vague it’s almost the equivalent of telling someone what their star sign is."