Test or trouble? Be aware of risks before having DNA analyzed

It seems many Americans-including more than few right here in the Twin Cities-if Facebook posts are any clue-are getting their DNA tested.

DNA-or deoxyribonucleic acid-is often called the building block of life. DNA carries your genetic code. And it can provide a lot of information if analyzed. You could find out where your ancestors originated, for example, or if you are more likely to get certain diseases.

It used to be the stuff of police investigations and paternity testing, but now several companies have kits that allow anyone to take a swab in the privacy of their own home and send it in-for a price that can range from about $70 to several hundred. A profile will be derived and sent back to the customer.

Here's the kicker, though. CNBC reported Sunday that consumers should be careful about so readily sharing there DNA with these companies.

While these companies promise privacy, some are skeptical. With your permission, your DNA might be shared with research projects. It may even be shared with for-profit drug companies. So be careful to read any agreement you might sign with a DNA testing company. They aren't always as clear as they could be and, truth be told, many of use just skip the fine print anyway.

There is also the possibility of hacking. We don't know exactly what hackers would do with the data, but if they go after it you can be sure there is profit lurking somewhere down the road.

There are critics who say the results may not always be reliable and may indicate risk for some dreaded disease that's not actually present.

Thanks to popular TV shows like "Law and Order" and "CSI," DNA is probably best known as a way to identify criminals. We hope that doesn't concern you, but if it does remember police and prosecutors know these companies keep DNA on file and could go to court to gain access.

Whether or not to test your DNA is up to you. We suspect most consider it as something of a lark and nothing more. Just be aware of what you're getting into-and possibly leaving yourself open to.

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