To Gift or Not to Gift that At-Home DNA Testing Kit?

Over 20 million people are estimated to have done an at-home genetic test, most focused around ancestry testing, and the numbers jump each holiday season. Brianne Kirkpatrick is a certified genetic counselor and the founder of Watershed DNA, which includes a private practice genetic counseling service for individuals who are considering direct-to-consumer testing as well as individuals who have been surprised by the results of their direct-to-consumer testing. In this interview, Brianne shares some of the surprises and family secrets her clients have stumbled across after direct-to-consumer testing and gives some advice as to what to consider before gifting a kit or doing one yourself. Story Reference Points: Brianne’s own family mystery “Where did Grandpa Ted go?” @ 3:00 Brianne founds Watershed DNA @ 6:34 Increase in DTC testing means more family secrets are revealed @ 11:12 Facebook support groups for those dealing with DNA Surprises @ 17:19 Brianne’s co-authored book in progress The DNA Guide for Adoptees. @ 19:46 Is a DNA test kit a good gift? @ 22:06 Two things most people don’t understand about DTC testing @ 24:40 Individuals share their #DNASurprise stories on Brianne’s site @ 28:50 Links and Resources Brianne’s company: Watershed DNA Brianne’s blog post: “DNA Testing: Considerations Before You Test” Brianne’s blog Watershed DNA Resources & DNA Surprise Stories Book an appointment with Brianne Connect with Brianne and Watershed DNA on Social Media Watershed DNA on Facebook Brianne on Twitter: @GCBrianne Brianne on LinkedIn Brianne is also newly on Instagram: @GC Brianne Check out other Patient Stories podcast episodes. Read other Patient Stories on the Grey Genetics Patient Stories Page Do you want to support Patient Stories? You can now make a donation online! Want to support Patient Stories in a non-monetary way? Leave us a review on iTunes, or share your favorite episodes on Social Media. Patient Stories on Twitter: @GreyGeneticsPod Patient Stories on Instagram: @patientstoriespodcast Are you looking for genetic counseling? Patient Stories is sponsored by Grey Genetics, an independent telehealth genetic counseling and consulting company. Book an appointment with a genetic counselor specialized in your area of concern. Choose from our growing Network of Genetic Counselors. All genetic counseling appointments take place over secure, HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing or by phone.