How does 23andMe work?

When you order the Personal Genome Service online, 23andMe will mail a DNA sample collection kit directly to your door. The kit contains instructions, a collection tube for 2 milliliters of saliva, and a box with a prepaid return shipping label. On the side of the collection tube is a registration number which you will need to input online at the 23andme website, along with your name and email address. When you are done registering for the 23andMe account, simply follow the included instructions and mail back the sample.

After 23andMe receives your saliva sample and extracts the DNA, genotyping is preformed. Genotyping is the process of determining which genetic variants a person possesses in their DNA fingerprint. 23andMe tests for nearly one million genetic variants.

What can I learn from 23andMe?

Up to 8 weeks after mailing your DNA sample, your 23andMe Personal Genome Service results will be available to view within the online account you created. Your test results may uncover new information generally related to either your ancestry or your health.

Ancestry:

• Use your 23andMe results to find out who you are and where you came from.
• Receive DNA ancentry analysis from both the maternal and paternal sides of your family tree.
• Find out what % of your DNA comes from 22 world populations, including African, European, and Native American.
• Take advantage of 23andMe's genealogical DNA database, which is the largest such database in the world
• Use 23andMe's Relative Finder to make new connections with other members who share a common ancestor.

Health:

• Discover if your genetic variations protect your from certain conditions or diseases.
• Take preventative steps and lifestyle changes after learning about your genetic risk for certain disorders.
• With your doctor, determine if you need more or less of a medication based on variations in your DNA.
• Find out if your children are at risk of being born with a disease such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
• Get frequent updates about new genetic discoveries that are specifically tailored by 23andMe for your DNA fingerprint.

How much does 23andMe DNA testing cost?

The 23 and Me Personal Genome Service costs $99. This is a one-time fee. There is no subscription fee to access your 23andMe results on an ongoing basis. There are also no additional membership fees to receive the monthly updates to your 23andMe account. Shipping and handling is $9.95 in the U.S. or $36.95 for expedited shipping. There is no charge for the prepaid shipping label which you will use to return your DNA sample. Shipping outside the United States ranges from $14.95 to $118.95, depending on the country. For example, shipping to Canada costs $59.95 and to the United Kingdom costs $79.95.

23andMe Discount Code

For each service you purchase after the first, there is a 20% off discount. This is a great deal if you want to purchase multiple kits for your family. Futhermore, if you have Parkinson's disease, 23andMe will provide the Personal Genome Service to you completely free of charge. Help 23andMe study Parkinson's disease and advance medical research in the search for a cure. A coupon or discount code is not required for either of these offers.

23andMe.com Facts and Details

• Founders: Anne Wojcicki, Linda Avey, and Paul Cusenza
• Start Date: Founded April 2006
• Company Address: 1390 Shorebird Way, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
• Facebook Page: facebook.com/23andMe
• Twitter Account: twitter.com/23andme
• Google+ Page: plus.google.com/+23andme
• 23andMe Privacy: www.23andme.com/about/privacy/
• 23andMe Stock: Currently private - No ticker symbol.

23andMe Reviews

• "23andMe DNA Test Review: It’s Right For Me But Is It Right for You?" by Singularity Weblog
• "Review: DNA testing by 23andMe" by Just Another Geek Site
• "Review: 23andMe DNA Testing for Health, Disease & Ancestry" by Paul Stamatiou
• "A Review of 23andMe's DNA Testing Kit" by PopSugar Fitness