What Does
Recreational Genetics Mean?
Recreational genetics is a term used to describe personal genetics tests which can be purchased to determine a person’s genetic make-up. They are kits that can be purchased by anyone over the age of 18 and the information from such a test can be used to unearth details about ancestry and inherited traits, among other things.
Recreational genetics may also be called recreational DNA testing
FertilitySmarts Explains Recreational Genetics
It is an ever-growing trend whereby people purchase genetic testing kits, such as the ones marketed by companies including AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, and TellMeGen. These kits can offer information about ancestry and heritage, disease carrier status, athletic ability, diet and sleep patterns.
There are flaws with these tests as they can miss certain mutations which cause diseases, and that there is limited information in non-White and racial minorities. Also, trying to delete the genetic information can be difficult if not impossible. There is also the risk of a not parent expected situation.
The rise of recreational genetics means that it is unlikely that an unknown egg, sperm or embryo donor can remain anonymous.