Most of the time, genetic testing is done through healthcare providers such as physicians, nurse practitioners, or genetic counselors. Healthcare providers determine which test is needed, order the test from a laboratory, collect  the DNA sample, send the DNA sample to the lab for testing and interpretation, and share the results with the patient. Often, a health insurance company covers part or all of the cost of testing. This type of testing is known as clinical genetic testing.

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing is different: these genetic tests are marketed directly to customers via television, radio, print advertisements, or the Internet, and the tests can be bought online or in stores. After purchasing a test kit, customers send the company a DNA sample and receive their results directly from a secure website or app or in a written report. Direct-to-consumer genetic testing provides people access to their genetic information without necessarily involving a healthcare provider or health insurance company in the process.

Many companies currently offer direct-to-consumer genetic tests for a variety of purposes. The most popular tests use a limited set of genetic variations to make predictions about a certain aspects of health, provide information about common traits, and offer clues about a person’s ancestry. The number of companies providing direct-to-consumer genetic testing is growing, along with the range of health information provided by these tests. Because there is currently little regulation of direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, it is important to assess the quality of available services before pursuing any testing.

Other names for direct-to-consumer genetic testing include DTC genetic testing, direct-access genetic testing, at-home genetic testing, and home DNA testing. Ancestry testing (also called genealogy testing) is also considered a form of direct-to-consumer genetic testing.