You have probably heard someone say, “It’s in your genes,” perhaps when talking about your mother’s curls, your father’s build or a health condition that runs in your family.

But what if you could understand some of that inherited information before it affects your health?

DNA testing can provide valuable insights into how your genetic makeup may influence nutrition, fitness, medication response and your predisposition to certain health conditions. When interpreted responsibly and considered alongside your medical history, these insights can help you make more informed and personalised health decisions.

For South Africans, the population data used to interpret genetic results are particularly important. Africa has the greatest human genetic diversity of any continent, yet African populations remain significantly underrepresented in global genetic research. This highlights the importance of locally relevant research in providing more accurate and meaningful genetic insights.

What Is DNA Testing?

DNA testing is a scientific method used to examine specific parts of your genetic material. It identifies small differences, known as genetic variants, that may influence your traits, how your body functions and your predisposition to certain health conditions.

A trait is a characteristic such as eye colour, hair type or height. It can also describe how your body processes nutrients, responds to exercise or reacts to certain medications. Traits may be influenced by your genes, environment and lifestyle.

Your DNA contains the biological instructions that guide your growth, development and many of the processes within your body. Although humans share most of their DNA, millions of small genetic differences contribute to what makes each person unique.

Some of these differences may influence:

• How your body processes certain nutrients
• How you respond to different types of exercise
• Your sensitivity to certain medications
• Your predisposition to particular inherited conditions
• Your likelihood of developing certain complex diseases

What Happens When You Take a YourGenes Test?

A YourGenes test begins with the collection of a biological sample. Depending on the test selected, this may include a cheek swab, saliva, sputum, urine, stool or blood sample. Cheek swab and saliva samples are simple and painless and can often be collected at home. Blood samples are collected by a qualified healthcare professional, while clear collection instructions are provided for other sample types.

For an inherited genetic test, your sample is sent to a laboratory, where your DNA is extracted and analysed. Scientists examine specific genetic markers associated with the traits or health areas covered by your selected test. The results are then interpreted using relevant scientific evidence and presented in a personalised report.

The testing process generally involves:

1. Selecting the appropriate lifestyle test, health panel or molecular test
2. Collecting the required biological sample
3. Sending the sample to the laboratory
4. Extracting and analysing the genetic or molecular material
5. Interpreting the findings
6. Preparing your personalised report

Unlike many routine blood tests, which provide information about what is happening in your body at a particular moment, an inherited DNA test examines genetic information that has been present since birth and remains largely unchanged throughout life. Most inherited genetic tests therefore generally only need to be performed once, and the findings can remain relevant throughout your lifetime.

What Can DNA Testing Tell You?

Many people associate DNA testing with ancestry or rare inherited disorders. However, modern genetic and molecular testing can provide a much broader range of practical information about your health and well‑being.

YourGenes offers sixteen testing options across three categories, each designed to help you better understand your body and make more informed decisions about your health.

Why Does Population Representation Matter?

Much of the genetic research used to develop health risk prediction tools has historically focused on people of European ancestry. African populations have the greatest human genetic diversity of any continent, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in global genetic research.

South Africa is home to diverse communities with distinct genetic histories. YourGenes draws on more than 25 years of experience in human genetics and genomics, incorporating locally relevant research developed with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) to provide more meaningful genetic insights for South African and African populations.

Is DNA Testing Only for People Who Are Sick?

No. DNA testing can be useful before symptoms or illness develop. Depending on the test and your personal circumstances, results may help you:

• Understand selected inherited health risks
• Make more informed lifestyle decisions
• Discuss appropriate screening with your doctor
• Ask more focused questions about your family health history
• Take a more proactive approach to preventive healthcare

A low genetic risk result does not mean that you cannot develop a condition. Similarly, an increased risk result does not mean that you will definitely develop it. Your genes interact with factors such as your age, lifestyle, environment and medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions