DNA tests can give you lots of information about the genes that make up who you are. They can confirm if you have or don't have a specific disease. They can determine if you have a higher risk of developing certain conditions. And they can find out if you carry a specific mutated gene that you can pass to your child.

“Due to their accuracy issues, don't do at-home DNA tests to learn about your health,” says Dr. Vats. “But if you want, you can use them to learn about your ethnic background, family origin, and extended family members.” The ancestry testing you can do with an at-home kit is more reliable than the health testing.

A disease, disorder, or pathological condition is “manifest” when an individual is experiencing signs or symptoms of the condition. Under GINA, an individual's genetic test result is protected; however, health plans are permitted to use information about an individual's disease when the disease has manifested.