Curious about trying out CRI Genetics for testing? Take a look at these five factors before making your decision.
Dual Ancestry Reports by CRI Genetics
Discover what CRI Genetics’ Dual Ancestry reports entail. The initial report delves into the origins of your recent ancestors, while the subsequent one aims to uncover your deep ancestral roots.
The Value of Dual Ancestry Reports
The findings of the Recent Ancestry Report are grounded in autosomal DNA analysis, aligning closely with results from Ancestry, MyHeritage, Living DNA, 23andMe, and Family Tree DNA. These companies pinpoint various global regions likely inhabited by your ancestors in the recent few centuries.
| Company | Type of Report |
|---|---|
| CRI Genetics | Recent Ancestry |
| Ancestry | Ancestry Report |
| MyHeritage | Ancestry Report |
| Living DNA | Ancestry Report |
| 23andMe | Ancestry Composition |
| Family Tree DNA | Family Finder |
Conversely, CRI Genetics’ Deep Ancestry Report relies on your DNA and mitochondrial DNA haplogroups. While y-DNA is exclusive to men, offering both haplogroups, women will receive mitochondrial DNA information.
The concern I hold about the Dual Ancestry Reports lies in their representation of distinct concepts. For instance, the recent autosomal-based ancestry report examines your family tree within the last three or four centuries. CRI Genetics then estimates the origins of those individuals.
Conversely, the haplogroup-based Deep Ancestry Report solely delves into two lines: your paternal and maternal ancestry. Despite the potential span of tens of thousands of years, this report only focuses on two ancestors – a mother and a father – out of the millions you have.
Deep Ancestry reveals the ethnicities of just two ancestral lines among the multitude spanning millions over that extensive period. From a scientific perspective, this data proves highly valuable in tracing human migrations through time. However, its utility on an individual level remains limited.
CRI Genetics Ethnicity: Better Accuracy?
For transparency, I must emphasize that I have not personally taken a DNA test with CRI Genetics. From what I’ve gathered by analyzing their website, it seems that their ethnicity estimates align closely with those provided by other leading genetic genealogy companies.
Ethnicity estimates rely heavily on reference populations for accurate results, and the scale of these populations is crucial. Notably, 23andMe and AncestryDNA boast databases with over 10 million samples, in stark contrast to reference population databases that consist of thousands.
Considering the substantial difference in the database sizes between CRI Genetics and these industry giants, it raises questions about whether CRI Genetics’ ethnicity estimates can achieve the same level of precision as their larger competitors. The balance between database size, diversity, and accuracy remains a pivotal factor in evaluating the reliability of ethnicity estimates.
Alt: woman in glasses using microscope in laboratory with lens for DNA
CRI Genetics Introduces Health and Trait Reports
CRI Genetics also introduces a variety of health and trait reports, encompassing approximately six distinctive categories. These reports involve a comprehensive analysis of your DNA against a wide array of genetic research studies. This meticulous process enables CRI Genetics to pinpoint specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with specific traits or health conditions. In comparison, 23andMe has been providing akin information for more than ten years.
Per the information accessible on CRI Genetics’ website, it suggests that the breadth of information you receive might be comparatively less comprehensive than what 23andMe offers.
Moreover, there exists a platform called Promethease, under the ownership of MyHeritage, which facilitates the upload of raw DNA data from any DNA testing company for a nominal fee. This service furnishes an extensive health and trait report, potentially comprising hundreds, or even thousands, of individualized reports pertaining to various health conditions.
CRI Genetics’ collection of about six health and trait reports lacks exclusivity. This methodology has been embraced by 23andMe for over a decade and is similarly provided by Family Tree DNA, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage.
CRI Genetics Lacks DNA Matching Feature
- CRI Genetics does not provide a list of shared matches;
- You won’t be able to discover individuals who share DNA segments with you.
DNA matches constitute a fundamental aspect of genetic genealogy. Identifying individuals who share DNA and determining your relationship with them can greatly assist your genealogical research.
Unfortunately, CRI Genetics does not offer the ability to integrate your DNA results into genealogical investigations.
CRI Genetics Pricing Falls Short of Appeal
A CRI Genetics DNA test commands a price on par with other genetic genealogy firms. Their basic ancestry kit starts at $99, while the ancestry plus health kit is priced at $199.
Although you might chance upon a discounted CRI Genetics DNA kit, their value proposition doesn’t match up to competitors in the same price range. At 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage, you can secure a test encompassing DNA matches, health insights, and ethnicity estimates for an identical cost.
Perhaps if CRI Genetics offered a $29 ethnicity-only test, I might consider it to compare against competitors. However, I personally find ethnicity reports to hold the least value in a DNA test, so it’s unlikely.
No Raw Data Download Available from CRI Genetics
As of now, CRI Genetics does not provide the option to download your raw DNA data. Consequently, you’re unable to utilize third-party platforms like GEDmatch, Borland Genetics, or DNA Gedcom, and you can’t employ the tools offered by MyHeritage or Family Tree DNA using your data.
This absence of download capability also signifies you cannot create a backup copy of your data. Should CRI Genetics cease operations, your information could potentially be irretrievably lost.
Without the ability to download, your potential actions with your CRI Genetics results are restricted.
Is a CRI Genetics Test Suitable for Genetic Genealogists?
I advise against opting for a CRI Genetics DNA test. It’s important to note, this doesn’t stem from suspicions about their credibility or ethical practices.
Currently, CRI Genetics doesn’t provide a product conducive to genetic genealogy endeavors. If this changes down the line, my perspective on them might evolve as well.
Conclusion
The world of genetic genealogy has witnessed significant advancements, with CRI Genetics emerging as a contender in this field. While CRI Genetics’ offerings stand alongside those of its counterparts, it’s essential to consider individual preferences and priorities when selecting a genetic testing provider. With a myriad of options available, each company’s strengths and limitations contribute to the intricate tapestry of the genetic genealogy landscape. As the field continues to evolve, it’s worthwhile to monitor how CRI Genetics evolves in response to user feedback and industry trends, potentially refining its services and enriching the genetic exploration experience.