Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-07
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
With so many DNA tests out there claiming to reveal your ethnicity, hidden talents, disease risks, and even cancer probabilities, how accurate are they really? What’s the science behind DNA testing, and what can it truly uncover? Join the Bowtie team as we break down the types, how they work, compare 2024 prices, and bust common myths to help you decide wisely!
What is DNA Testing? How to Collect Samples?
Genes are the basic units of genetic information, often called the “code of life.” They determine the fundamental factors of all living beings, including birth, aging, illness, death, appearance, height, weight, skin color, and more.
DNA testing analyzes DNA molecules from blood, bodily fluids, or cells to obtain genetic information. Testers collect samples from the subject’s oral mucosa or other tissue cells and examine them using specialized equipment. By analyzing DNA sequences or variations, we can uncover details about a person’s constitution, diseases, and genetic traits—commonly used to diagnose hereditary conditions.
What Can You Learn from DNA Testing?
Beyond paternity or identity verification, DNA testing is widely used in medicine to predict disease risks, aiding in prevention and treatment. Common purposes include:
- Diagnosing diseases: Checking for family hereditary conditions
- Predicting diseases: Assessing risks for certain illnesses
- Planning pregnancy: Evaluating chances of genetic disorders in future babies
- Prenatal screening: Checking if the baby has genetic diseases
- Newborn screening: Testing for congenital conditions in infants
- Drug response: Helping doctors prescribe medications and dosages more accurately based on your genes
Types of DNA Tests and How They Work
Many medical centers and clinics now offer DNA testing, and you can book an appointment. Some even provide at-home DNA test kits for self-collection.
Different types of DNA tests target specific diseases or bacteria. Here are some common targeted ones:
- Cervical Cancer DNA Test: Examines the female reproductive tract’s epithelium to check for HPV infection
- Nasopharyngeal Cancer DNA Test: Blood test to detect EBV infection in the body
- Hepatitis B Detection: Measures hepatitis B viral load to predict risks of cirrhosis or liver cancer
- Hereditary Disease Testing: Assesses risks for various genetic diseases like cancer, G6PD deficiency, thalassemia, etc.
- Breast or Ovarian Cancer Testing: Blood test for BRCA1 & BRCA2 gene mutations
Additionally, DNA tests serve other purposes, such as paternity testing, prenatal fetal DNA screening, food or drug sensitivity, physical and nutritional management, personality and behavior analysis, and more.
Compare DNA Test Prices
Different types of DNA tests come with varying costs. Tests for single diseases or bacteria typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, while DNA tests for hereditary cancers can go up to over HK$20,000. Here’s a breakdown of fees for common DNA tests:
| Medical Center | Price | What’s Included? |
| Cervical Cancer DNA Test | ||
| HealthGene Medical | $1,080 | Detection of 35 HPV virus types and ThinPrep Pap test |
| Kinetics Medical | $1,000 | Detection of 33 HPV virus types and ThinPrep Pap test |
| Nasopharyngeal Cancer DNA Test | ||
| HealthGene Medical | $580 | EBV virus detection |
| Medtimes Medical Group | $1,800 | Detection of human and EBV DNA features in blood related to nasopharyngeal cancer |
| Medifast | $1,988 | Early nasopharyngeal cancer gene detection |
| Quality HealthCare | $1,980 | Nasopharyngeal cancer gene detection |
| Kinetics Medical | $2,300 | Nasopharyngeal cancer gene detection |
| Hepatitis B Test | ||
| HealthGene Medical | $1,980 | Hepatitis B surface antibody and antigen, e antigen and antibody, total hepatitis B core antibody, and ultrasound scan of liver, gallbladder, and bile duct |
| Hong Kong Women’s Imaging | $2,700 | Basic physical examination, hepatitis B e antigen, liver function, quantitative hepatitis B virus test, liver ultrasound |
| Hereditary Disease Detection | ||
| MedDx | $6,800 | Testing for 301 hereditary disease genes |
| HealthGene Medical | $4,800 | Detection of 11+ monogenic hereditary diseases, suitable for couples planning pregnancy |
| HealthGene Medical | $24,800 | Testing for multiple hereditary cancer genes |
| Kinetics Medical | $7900 | Detection of 420+ recessive genetic diseases |
| Breast or Ovarian Cancer Detection | ||
| Medifast | $6,800 | BRCA1 & BRCA2 gene mutation detection |
| Hong Kong Women’s Imaging | $3,800 | BRCA1 & BRCA2 gene mutation detection |
| DNA Paternity Test | ||
| HealthGene Medical | $4,400 | DNA paternity test (for legal purposes) |
| The DNA Laboratory | Non-legal: from $2,500
Legal: from $4,000 |
DNA paternity test |
| ApexHealth | $2,800 – $5,000 | Kinship DNA identification (non-legal purposes) |
| Prenatal Screening | ||
| Kinetics Medical | From $5,800 | T21 non-invasive prenatal genetic testing |
| Medtimes Medical Group | $5,500 – $7,600 | T21 non-invasive prenatal genetic testing |
- * The above prices and fees were collected from the official websites of various medical institutions on May 2, 2024
DNA Test FAQs: Accuracy & More
1. How Accurate Are DNA Tests?
DNA tests on the market can be divided into two types: health-related genetic tests, which include hereditary disease diagnosis, carrier testing, pharmacogenetic testing, and more; and non-health-related tests, such as ancestry, talents, sports, traits, and nutrition. Some genetic tests are backed by scientific and clinical evidence, but others lack sufficient data for reference. Non-health-related tests can be influenced by environmental factors, so their reliability is relatively lower.
2. Can DNA Tests Help with Weight Loss? How?
According to a study from the University of Cambridge , slim people have a genetic advantage with fewer weight-related genes in their bodies, making it easier for them to control their weight. DNA tests can help us understand our nutritional genes and create tailored weight loss plans.
3. Can DNA Tests Reveal Ancestry and Ethnicity?
Throughout history, different ethnic groups have intermingled or migrated, leading to many variables. Not every ancestor leaves a genetic record, so using DNA tests to trace ancestry and ethnicity still comes with many questions and limitations.
4. Do DNA Tests Compromise Privacy or Personal Data?
Experts say DNA tests typically target specific diseases rather than full genome sequencing. The scientific community’s understanding of genes is still limited, and current technology can’t identify individuals solely from genetic sequences, so the risk of privacy leaks is low.
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