Educational Content
Donor Conception Guidance & Regulation
These leaflets aim to help answer questions about online DNA testing for people connected to donor conception, including:
- Donor-conceived people
- Sperm and egg donors
- Parents who used donor conception (or are considering it)
What is Online DNA testing?
Online DNA testing, also called direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT), is when you buy a DNA test online and send off a saliva sample to be analysed by a commercial company.
Anyone can access these tests which can provide information about family history, genetic relations and medical information (health risks, genetic predispositions, wellness insights).
These tests can reveal unexpected connections to donors, donor siblings, and other genetic relatives. This can bring up complicated feelings and situations for everyone involved in donor conception.
What’s in these leaflets?
Answers to common questions about DNA testing and donor conception
Practical guidance based on research
Case studies of stories from people who have used these tests
These leaflets come from the ConnecteDNA research project, which studied how donor-conceived people, donors, parents, and families use online DNA testing. We hope you find these leaflets useful.
