Table 2. Benefits, Limitations, and Risks of Testing.

A total of 35 companies were included in this analysis. All of the companies listed in Table 2 were analyzed except Accu-metrics (Viaguard) and DNA 11 Inc. (both of which were not discovered until this manuscript was in preparation) and with the additions of Paternity Experts and DNA Heritage (which were included in the analysis but no longer appear to be selling DNA ancestry tests). Data reflect information found on the DNA ancestry companies’ websites on or about April 2010. The benefits and limitations listed here were not necessarily stated verbatim by the companies. Of the 35 companies analyzed, eight (22.9%) did not state any benefits and 23 (65.7%) did not state any limitations or risks related to DNA ancestry testing.

Benefits and Limitations of Testing Stated on Websites Marketing and Selling DNA Ancestry Tests	Number of Companies (Proportion of Industry)
Benefits of DNA Ancestry Testing	27 (77.1%)
Learn about Ancient Ancestors	21 (60.0%)
Fill Gaps in Lineage	11 (31.4%)
Find Relatives	7 (20.0%)
Determine Group Membership	6 (17.1%)
Learn More About Who You Are as a Person	6 (17.1%)
Social Networking	6 (17.1%)
Obtain Print Documentation	2 (5.7%)
Have Fun	1 (2.9%)
Limitations or Risks of DNA Ancestry Testing	12 (34.3%)
Results Are For Recreational/Educational/Entertainment Use Only	9 (25.7%)
Results Are Not a Complete Lineage	8 (22.9%)
Database of Genetic Markers Not Globally Representative	1 (2.9%)
Results May Be Unexpected or Surprising	1 (2.9%)