Fairly recent developments in the field of genetics have meant that more people than ever are now using commercial DNA tests. These tests are offered by different companies for a fee and involve posting a saliva sample or cheek swab to a laboratory, where DNA data is abstracted and uploaded to a database of several million users. If you are donor conceived, how you feel about DNA testing and the possibility of making genetic connections in this way can vary. You may feel enthusiastic, indifferent, or concerned, or some mix of these or other emotions. In the UK, there are no specific laws about DNA testing and donor conception. You may have come to learn that you are donor conceived through a commercial DNA test, or you may have taken one or several of these tests, or you may feel that taking a test is not right for you. This is your decision to make. What happens if you choose to take a commercial DNA test? You may be contacted by somebody who has identified you through DNA testing, even though you haven’t taken a test yourself. Results vary: - You might quickly identify the donor, other people conceived using the same donor, or other genetic connections such as close or distant relatives of the donor. - Identifying the connections you are looking for might take a long time, and involve you doing additional genealogy research. - Your matches might appear at a time you did not expect. - It is possible that you won’t make the connections you are seeking through DNA testing. Commercial DNA testing vs. the Donor Conceived Register The Donor Conceived Register (DCR) differs from commercial DNA testing. DCR is a DNA-based register for donor conceived people and donors in the UK. King’s College London analyse the DNA through a sample provided for a fee, and DCR notifies the relevant parties involved if any connections are found. Any direct contact between connections must be mutually agreed beforehand. From our research, it seems that donor conceived young adults are overall less likely to use the Donor Conceived Register than commercial DNA testing. However, some young adults have chosen to use the Register and do not use commercial DNA testing. For more information about the Donor Conceived Register, you can visit: https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/our-services/donor-conceived-register-dcr/ Where can you go for further information and support? Whatever your views and experiences of DNA testing, there are different places you can go to for support. The two main organisations are: Donor Conception Network: https://www.dcnetwork.org/i-am/donor-conceived-person/ Donor Conceived UK: https://donorconceiveduk.org.uk