I just received my 23andMe results.

[Fridays Child]

Several years ago, my kids got me a mitochondrial DNA test for Christmas. Since then, I've traced the women of the family as far back as 1609. I even met someone who shares a relative from more than ten generations ago.

This year, the 23andMe analysis was my Christmas present to myself.

The health risk details are enlightening. I won't make any immediate decisions based on what I've learned but the information is certainly useful. Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, and these results are a good starting point.

The ancestry composition results are interesting, too. Assuming that my siblings and I have the same parents, it's fairly certain that we're all of mostly Northern European origin. I'd already done some genealogy research, so the percentages--Irish and British, French and German, Scandinavian, etc.--didn't come as a complete surprise. But it was news to me that a small part of the total composition is Eastern European. I've always had a feeling that some of our ancestors were Ukrainian, and this bit of data points in that general direction.

[CBHagman]

1. Your post is a bit of synchronicity...

...as I was just emailing back and forth with a cousin who has recently undergone 23andMe testing and showed me a summary of the ancestry results.

What's your opinion of the other DNA testing you had? And would you recommend the same tests to others, especially those who have genealogical brick walls?

[Fridays Child]

2. The first test was for mitochondrial DNA only.

The 23andMe test is much more comprehensive. If you get tested, you and your cousin can compare ancestry and health results. You'll also learn what percentage of your DNA is Neanderthal. I'm not sure if that's relevant but it is interesting. The test confirmed for me that my father was, in all likelihood from an Irish family. He was adopted, so I wasn't sure. All things considered, I think it's worth the $99.

[WolverineDG]

9. what information on your paternal line does that test provide?

I've been trying to get my brother to take one of the "males only" tests, but it's like pulling teeth to get him to respond. I have had my maternal DNA tested & that came back a complete surprise to me: Haplogroup V.

[No Vested Interest]

3. FDA has just halted sales of 23andme test kit, AP reports.

I was intent on ordering a kit, now that won't be possible.
This is reported by AP in USA Today. (Sorry, I'm no good at posting links, but it should be easy to find online.

[shanti]

4. me too, and i'm pissed!

wth does the fda need to be involved in this??

[Fridays Child]

5. Well, lookee here.

http://money.cnn.com/2013/11/25/technology/fda-23andme/

The lapdogs at the FDA are stepping in to save people from stupidity. How thoughtful.

Bullshit.

What the hell kind of doctor would perform surgery or give chemotherapy to anyone without making a proper clinical diagnosis?

My instincts tell me some string-pulling is happening here. I wonder whose mega-corporate toes 23andMe stepped on.

[CBHagman]

6. Right on the front page of The Washington Post.

I heard the news last night but was struck by how prominently the story was displayed.

[url]http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/news-summary-fda-warns-genetic-test-maker-23andme/2013/11/25/6e14f252-5602-11e3-bdbf-097ab2a3dc2b_story.html[/url]

On edit, a second link:

[url]http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2013/11/25/fda-this-dna-testing-company-could-kill-you/?tid=pm_business_pop[/url]

[PatSeg]

7. Just received an email from 23andMe about the FDA

Dear 23andMe Customers,

I wanted to reach out to you about the FDA letter that was sent to 23andMe last Friday.

It is absolutely critical that our consumers get high quality genetic data that they can trust. We have worked extensively with our lab partner to make sure that the results we return are accurate. We stand behind the data that we return to customers - but we recognize that the FDA needs to be convinced of the quality of our data as well.

23andMe has been working with the FDA to navigate the correct regulatory path for direct-to-consumer genetic tests. This is new territory, not just for 23andMe, but for the FDA as well. The FDA is an important partner for 23andMe and we will be working hard to move forward with them.

I apologize for the limited response to the questions many of you have raised regarding the letter and its implications for the service. We don't have the answers to all of those questions yet, but as we learn more we will update you.

I am committed to providing each of you with a trusted consumer product rooted in high quality data that adheres to the best scientific standards. All of us at 23andMe believe that genetic information can lead to healthier lives.

Thank you for your loyalty to 23andMe. Please refer to our 23andMe blog for updates on this process.

Anne Wojcicki
Co-founder and CEO, 23andMe

[Fridays Child]

8. High road.

She's good.