23andMe offers one of the best and highly-rated direct to consumer genetic testing services today. Their various DNA testing services allow you to discover your ancestral origins, health predispositions and risks, traits, ancestral movements, DNA relatives, and more. But how long does 23andMe take to deliver your DNA results? And what else do you need to know before you purchase a 23andMe DNA testing service? Keep reading to find out.
Learn more about your ancestry, traits, and health predispositions with the 23andMe Health + Ancestry at-home DNA testing kit.
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23andMe DNA Results Processing Time: How Long Does it Take?
It takes 23andMe around two to four weeks to process your DNA results
According to 23andMe’s website, the DNA results will take around two to three weeks to be released. While that is typically the period when you can expect results, there have been some cases where the results arrived within four weeks while some received their DNA results faster than the approximate release date.
When you purchase any of the 23andMe services, you will get the 23andMe collection kit which includes a saliva collection tube where you have to spit. Then, you can send your DNA sample to its laboratory using the return label and package included in your DNA kit. Don’t forget to register your DNA kit so 23andMe knows the sample belongs to you.
Once your sample reaches its laboratory, the processing of your DNA typically takes two to three weeks, give or take. The 23andMe app gives you an approximate release date when you register your DNA kit, but some people reported receiving the results earlier. You can track the status of your DNA results by logging in to your 23andMe account.
Get detailed ancestry and traits report, automatic family tree builder, DNA relative finder and more with the 23andMe DNA + Traits starter genetic service kit.
How long does the genotyping phase take for 23andMe?
It varies for everyone, but the genotyping phase may take 3 to 8 days
Once your saliva sample arrives at the 23andMe laboratory, your DNA sample is extracted and quantified. Then, it is tested for hundreds of thousands of variants in the genomes. The DNA sample is then loaded to 23andMe’s bespoke microarray chip for genotyping. This chip which has your DNA goes through more processes before 23andMe can give a read and review the DNA results. All of the steps for genotyping take around three to eight days, give or take.
How long does Computation and Report Generation take?
It varies for everyone, but this phase can take around 5 to 10 days
The waiting period for 23andMe’s Computation and Report Generation phase differs for everyone. Users have reported waiting for 5 to 10 days to get the results after the genotyping phase.
Once genotyping your DNA sample is done, the results are then reviewed for quality control and accuracy. Upon passing quality control, they are then compared within the 23andMe database to yield results for DNA relative finder, family tree builder, and the like. Once this phase is complete, that’s when you get an email of your generated DNA results.
Get detailed ancestry and traits report, automatic family tree builder, DNA relative finder and more with the 23andMe DNA + Traits starter genetic service kit.
What results do you get from the 23andMe DNA test?
It depends on the service you buy, but you can get ancestry, traits, and health predisposition reports
23and Me offers three services you can choose from:
- Ancestry + Traits Service
- Health + Ancestry Service
- VIP Health + Ancestry Service
The starter 23andMe Ancestry + Traits service will give a detailed ancestry report, traits report, automatic family tree builder, and DNA relative finder. In the Traits report, you will discover how your genetic make-up influences some traits you have such as having a bald spot, hair that grays easily, and preference for a certain taste, among others.
Meanwhile, the Health + Ancestry includes health-related reports plus everything you get from the Ancestry + Traits Service. Specifically, you will get Health Predisposition reports, Wellness reports, and Carrier Status reports. These reports will give you a glimpse of which health conditions you are at a higher risk of getting and which genetic variants you are a carrier of.
It is worth noting though that these health reports are only limited to selected variants tested by 23andMe and should not be a substitute getting official medical check-ups and tests.
As for the VIP Health + Ancestry Service, you will get the same results except at a faster rate since you will get priority processing. Your own customer support is also a trained expert and not just any customer care representative. If you have questions about the report the trained expert will be there to walk you through your DNA results.
Summary
The best-selling 23andMe Ancestry+Health DNA testing kit yields health predisposition and carrier status reports that will give you a wealth of data to help you make better health decisions in the future. Meanwhile, the 23andMe DNA+Ancestry starter kit is an excellent way to find long lost relatives or simply learn more about your ancestral roots.
FAQs
The results of 23andMe DNA test typically take around 2 to 4 weeks to process once your sample reaches their laboratory.
23andMe has been approved by FDA to test the following diseases: Parkinson’s disease, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, early-onset primary dystonia, Gaucher’s disease (Type 1), celiac disease, hereditary thrombophilia, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Factor XI deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and hereditary hemochromatosis.
Yes, a 23andMe DNA test, especially the Ancestry+Health test, is worth taking. They are not only tools for learning more about your ancestors, but the results can also tell you a lot about your health predisposition.
The 23andMe DNA test kits typically go on sale during the biggest shopping season (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc.) and special holidays (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc.). 23andMe also offers an education discount for students, teachers, and researchers.