OK, we have to start off with a caveat here: If you did a 23andMe or similar genetic test at home, no medical professional can use the results to diagnose or treat a medical condition. The test may indicate something really important, like you're a carrier of cystic fibrosis, for example. But to start treatment or make any medical decision, the result must first be validated through a clinical, diagnostic laboratory.

In this snack, Ruby, Anne, and guest genetic counselor Rachel Donnell tackle the question: What's wrong with a commercial test? Answer? There's nothing wrong with it, as long as you treat it as a fun way to learn more about yourself, and NOT as a medical diagnosis.

To begin with, at-home tests are likely nowhere near as rigorous. The test just isn't as sophisticated as a medical test, and commercial tests may not come with a professional who will sit with you and go over the results. Interpretation of the results can be as important as the results themselves — what are the full implications to you and any future children?

Rachel describes how these tests are often far less accurate than medical tests, so please, have fun with them, but don't use them as a basis for making important decisions about your health. If information comes up that concerns you, follow up with a medical-grade test from a healthcare professional.

And please, don't assume that just because the test claims you're not at high risk for heart disease or some other concern, that you're "safe." Continue to discuss everything with your health provider, no matter what that at-home test told you. OK?

We know people are relying on these commercial tests already, so we hope you'll share this episode with others.

​​Find more about Rachel, Ruby, and Anne at Seattle Reproductive Medicine (seattlefertility.com) and hear more episodes of The Whole Pineapple at https://thewholepineapple.com/.