Let’s Meet 23andMe
Based in Mountain View, California, 23andMe is a privately-owned biotechnology business named after the 23 pairs of chromosomes found in a typical human cell. It was the very first company to offer autosomal DNA testing for ancestry - a procedure that uses a convenient saliva test that can be mailed off in order to receive ancestry and health reports online. In 2008 this process was named Invention of the Year by Time magazine.
What you need to know about 23andMe
What is the refund policy at 23andMe?
23andMe operates as an online-only service. You’ll therefore require a computer with internet access to use the service and to view your genetic data. Throughout the website, detailed information is provided regarding the genotyping process and what you can expect or may experience from the service.
If you request a refund, 23andMe will refund the balance of the total purchase price after subtracting your shipping and handling charges. To receive a refund for an unused kit, you must notify them within thirty days of placing your order in their online store that you request a refund and confirm that you have not yet shipped your saliva sample to their laboratory.
If you want to request a refund on your entire order, complete the online form.
If you are interested in refunding part of a multiple kit order, contact Customer Care as detailed below.
In the event that you have had two sample failures, 23andMe will refund the purchase price of your kit minus shipping and handling charges.
What might I learn in my 23andMe report?
23andMe’s Carrier Status reports tell you about DNA variants that may not affect your health, but could affect the health of your future family. Carrier status testing can look for some of these genetic variations that can cause inherited conditions. Being a carrier means that you have one variant for the inherited condition. Carriers typically don't have the condition but can pass the variant to their children.
23andMe Health Predisposition reports also help you learn how your genetics can influence your chances of developing certain diseases. Having a particular variant linked to a higher risk for a condition does not necessarily mean you will develop the condition. This is because other factors like lifestyle, environment, and family history can also affect your risk.
Genetic information can also tell you things about your ancestry and origins, and therefore about your relationship to other groups of people across the globe. At times, this information might surprise you, and you might learn that you share a genetic history with unexpected groups.
In a similar way, genetic information can also reveal that someone you thought you were related to is not your biological relative. This happens most frequently in the case of paternity, where someone learns that their biological father is not who they thought it was.
Is the data in my report from 23andMe private?
23andMe believe that everyone deserves a secure, private environment to explore and understand their genetics. They make a point of putting you in control of deciding what information you want to learn and what information you want to share.
Can I opt to allow 23andMe to use my data for research purposes?
23andMe aim to make and support scientific discoveries and publish those discoveries in scientific journals. They invite you to take part in this project, which is called 23andMe Research. To get started you must agree to the terms in the full consent document.
How long will 23andMe store my saliva for?
Unless they notify you otherwise, 23andMe will store your sample for a minimum of one year and a maximum of ten years, at their CLIA-certified laboratory.
Stay Updated with 23andMe
Contact 23andMe using their email form.
