Whether you are just curious about the secrets scripted in your DNA or want to take better care of yourself, DNA testing may reveal key information about your body. While genetic tests have long been adopted in the medical field for diagnostic purposes, DNA tests with other focuses have become more and more popular all over the world. Depending on what you want to know, a variety of DNA tests with different targets are available for your choice.

What can you find out with a DNA test?

It is no exaggeration to say that DNA is the code of life. DNA, in long deoxyribonucleic acid, is basically a long molecule that carries genetic instructions for all biological processes of a living organism. From your appearance, your height, your body weight, to your longevity and so forth, it is the hereditary information in DNA that determines your biological characters.

By analyzing your genetic make-up, a DNA test can reveal all sorts of information, whether you need it as a preventive health measure or are just curious about information encoded in your DNA. People get genetic tests for many different reasons.

For diagnostic purposes:

• Screen for genetic disease

• Screen for HPV, Hepatitis B, nasopharyngeal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, etc.

• Drug response test

• Allergy test

• Prenatal test (for detection of abnormalities in the foetus, e.g. Down syndrome, trisomy 18 syndrome) If you want to know more about your body check options, please check our practical guide on health checkups in Hong Kong.

For non-diagnostic purposes:

• Paternity test Trace ancestry: ethnic origin, descent, roots, heritage or place of birth of the person or the person’s ancestors

• Identify personality traits

• Skin

• Diet and nutrition requirements

• Sports and fitness routines

A number of consumer DNA tests on the market advertises to be able to test for non-health-related qualities such as ethnicity, personality and even talents. These test providers would provide consumers with a detailed analytic report on their genetic information, from body composition to family history and in some cases, recommendations for healthy living, based on what the test covers.

For health-conscious consumers, here’s the good news: genetic factors have a role in determining your body weight, as a 2019 Cambridge research indicated. By understanding your DNA, you may be able to devise a bodyweight management plan most suitable for your body with reference to your nutritional needs and suitable fitness activities, for instance, following recommendations from the testing company.

How does a DNA test work?

Blood swab and pap smear are commonly used in diagnostic DNA tests in a clinical setting. Medical staff will collect a sample of your DNA for laboratory testing, targeting specifically for certain types of virus or genetic abnormalities.

On the other hand, most consumer DNA tests on the market rely on saliva or cheek swab samples. To perform a test, you can purchase a self-test kit over-the-counter or online, collect your own saliva sample with respect to instructions given by the company, then send it back to the testing laboratory. Typically, it should take less than 4 weeks to get the test results.

DNA testing companies will compare your DNA strand to the thousands of DNA samples in their database to identify similarities and differences.

How much does a DNA test cost in Hong Kong?

DNA tests in Hong Kong generally cost within a few thousand Hong Kong dollars and the prices may vary greatly depending on the items covered, packages and other factors. To make it easier for you, we have summarized some consumer DNA tests for you below.

DNA tests for disease screening

Paternity tests

Apex Health – DNA Paternity Test (non-legal purpose): HK$ 2,500 – HK$ 6,000 (additional $500 for each special specimen testing)

• Report ready in 2–3 working days

Health Gene Limited – Paternity Test (Legal Case): HK$ 4,400 (HK$ 200 reservation deposit required)

• Report ready in 10 working days

MedTimes Medical Group – Paternity Testing (Prenatal): HK$ 12,000

• Report ready in 8–12 days

DNA Laboratory Limited – Parentage DNA Test (Paternity or Maternity): HK$ 2,500 (non-legal), HK$ 4,000 (legal)

• Report takes 2–3 working days upon receipt of specimens

EasyDNA – Prenatal Paternity Test: from HK$ 15,750

• Non-invasive, can be used after the 10th week of pregnancy

• Results ready in 7–14 days

Genetrack Biolabs – DNA Paternity Test: from HK$ 2,520

• Report ready in 1–2 business days

Commercial DNA tests (ancestry, nutrition, fitness, etc.)

*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in June 2024. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.

How accurate are DNA tests?

Health-related DNA tests are based on medical research and are highly accurate in detecting abnormalities in genes. They are frequently used by doctors to diagnose genetic diseases like Down Syndrome, G6PD deficiency, thalassemia and certain types of cancer. As for some non-health-related tests, owing to their limited research data to date or in some cases, environmental influence on the tested traits, test results may not be representative.

Meanwhile, parentage DNA tests are reliable in establishing close family relationships, namely for siblings and parents. But as far as genealogy is concerned, questions remain how accurate these DNA tests can be in establishing ancestral linkages and tracing your family history. In case test results point to some unsettling implications, do not be overly troubled. DNA tests have their limitations and results from the test should be taken as a reference only.

Concerns over commercial DNA tests

Some scientists remain skeptical of the accuracy of commercial DNA tests in interpreting genetic influences on talents and personality traits or in tracing ancestry, while others are concerned about potential privacy issues that arise when the collected DNA may be used for unauthorized purposes. In theory, DNA samples are also classified as personal data when they can be used in conjunction with other information to identify an individual, and thus should be protected under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Whereas most test providers promise security over your privacy, you may want to review their company policies on privacy protection thoroughly to understand your rights before signing up for a DNA test.

Under current legislation, commercial DNA tests on the market are unregulated and therefore, may be inconsistent in standards. It can be dangerous to blindly count on the results and modify your way of living completely grounding on the tests. If you are taking a DNA test for non-medical reasons, please interpret the results carefully and use them as a reference only.

Does health insurance in Hong Kong cover DNA tests?

In general, DNA tests are not covered by health insurance in Hong Kong unless the test is deemed medically necessary, i.e. prescribed by a doctor. Consumer DNA tests taken for preventive health or other personal reasons will not be reimbursed by most health insurance plans in Hong Kong. Get in touch with Alea if you need more information on health insurance in Hong Kong.