The biggest risks lurking inside your at-home DNA and health tests

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

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ZDNET's key takeaways

At-home DNA and health tests may not be covered by HIPAA.

Genetic data can expose you or relatives and create insurance risks.

FDA review and follow-up care vary widely.

The kit arrives. It isn't big.

You get it out of the mailbox and bring it to your counter. It's printed in fun, friendly colors.

Swab. Spit. Prick your finger. Mail it back. Soon, you'll learn something new about yourself: your hormones, your fertility, your cancer risk, your predisposition to Alzheimer's, your metabolism, your food sensitivies, or even your entire genome.

That's the lure of at-home ("direct-to-consumer") DNA and health testing. Late at night, from your phone, you can order just about any test to take at home, whether you're uninsured, curious, or simply anxious about what secrets your body may be hiding.

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