Dignity Health Urges Clinical Genetic Testing Amid Rising At-Home Test Kit Usage

National DNA Day is April 25 

PHOENIX, Ariz. (April 23, 2026) – An expert with Dignity Health Cancer Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is cautioning people about the importance of having genetic testing done through a genetic counselor versus with an at-home kit.

Over the last several years, at-home testing kits have rapidly grown in popularity, due in large part to their convenience and accessibility factors. But on their own, they don’t give a complete picture.

“It’s very easy these days for people to buy a kit at the store or online and take it within the comfort of their own home,” says Karen Dirrigl, program director of genetic testing at Dignity Health Cancer Institute. “The issue is that a lot of these tests provide much less specific results than those in a clinical setting or they are confusing to interpret. ”

As the NIH notes, these types of tests generally only look at some of the variants that can cause a condition, which could mean the results are not as accurate as those ordered by a genetic counselor. Additionally, many of the kits are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

“An at-home kit can show you results, but it can’t tell you how much of an increased risk you have for certain conditions,” Dirrigl explains. “A genetic counselor can guide you through the findings while taking into account things like your family history and lifestyle to give you a better understanding.”

If you take an at-home genetic test and the result is concerning or raises questions for you, Dirrigl strongly recommends following up with your primary care doctor or a genetic counselor to get confirmation.

“Not only can we give you more definitive answers, but if the outcome is less than ideal, we will be there to support you and discuss your practical next steps,” Dirrigl shares. 

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