By: Akanksha
Many DNA tests are available that are not the heavily marketed ones featured on television screens. They are most useful to those from underrepresented parts of the world and those who have downloaded a DNA file and are looking for more detailed information than what is available on the average ethnicity report.
While they do not have the largest databanks to match individuals with distant relatives like major brands, the niche DNA services provide more detailed analysis.
These include pinpointing specific regions in South Asia and Africa, whole genome sequencing, and researching raw data. If DNA test results provide a general result based on continental ancestry and more specific details are desired, users can upload their data to these platforms.Many commercial ancestry tests use SNP genotyping arrays, which examine selected genetic positions rather than sequencing the entire genome. These results are compared with reference populations to estimate ancestry. The accuracy and level of detail depend partly on the reference populations and analytical methods used by each company.1
Niche DNA services address this issue by allowing users to upload their own raw data or by sending a specialised test kit.
South Asian populations are underrepresented in several international genetic reference databases. This can affect the level of detail available in commercial ancestry reports, particularly when companies use reference populations that do not adequately represent India's diverse communities.
India's GenomeIndia Project, funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), was established to map the country's genetic diversity and support genomic research. The project enrolled 20,195 individuals representing 83 population groups, including tribal and non-tribal populations. Whole Genome Sequencing was performed on 10,074 individuals at approximately 30x coverage. Of these, 9,768 passed quality-control criteria for downstream analysis. 2,3
The project's data is archived at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), supporting academic and research activities. However, GenomeIndia is a population-level research initiative, not a commercial ancestry-testing service. Consumers cannot simply upload their DNA files to obtain individual ancestry reports from the project. 3
This distinction is important because population genetics research, commercial ancestry testing and clinical genetic testing serve different purposes.
Also Read: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in India: Market Growth, Business Models, and Clinical Adoption
Alternative DNA services either deliver their own collection kits or allow users to upload their raw DNA. While major brands provide general ethnicity and family tree analysis, the niche services perform three specific functions.
Major commercial DNA services often place underrepresented areas into large geographical regions. However, niche services compare an individual’s DNA to highly specific regional DNA references to provide detailed results. They no longer give you a general South Asian or West African result, but instead break the DNA down into specific sub-regions, migration patterns, and ethnicities.
However, the level of detail does not automatically establish greater accuracy. The results depend on the quality and diversity of the reference populations and the algorithms used. A company with more reference samples may still have limitations if particular communities are poorly represented.1,5
Different DNA-testing companies use different reference databases, genetic markers and proprietary algorithms to estimate ancestry. Consequently, the same individual may receive different regional ancestry percentages from different providers.
Ancestry percentages are statistical estimates based on genetic similarities with reference populations. They do not establish a person's definitive ethnic, cultural or community identity. Historical migration and population mixing can also complicate the interpretation of results.
Most commercial saliva tests only analyse a small fraction of a percentage of an individual’s DNA. Whole Genome Sequencing analyses 100% of the DNA. This means individuals receive the rare variants from their DNA blueprint, providing a complete genetic file.
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) examines DNA across the genome rather than testing only selected genetic markers. However, it does not guarantee that every position in the genome will be successfully sequenced.
A 30x sequencing depth means that each position is covered by an average of approximately 30 sequencing reads. Actual coverage varies across genomic regions, and some positions may receive lower coverage or remain unsequenced. Therefore, 30x WGS should not be described as a guarantee that 100% of the genome has been accurately read.6,7
When someone takes a mainstream DNA test, the lab creates a raw file with numerous markers. Trait analysis services take a raw file from a previous test and analyse it using specialised algorithms. This provides specific results, such as ancient ancestry markers, nutritional requirements, fitness markers, and links to medical literature.
Depending on whether individuals prefer to upload existing data or purchase a specialised test, several options are available:
| Platform | Best Feature | Primary Focus | Accepts Uploads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helixline | 75+ South Asian regions | Indian/South Asian ancestry | Yes |
| Genomelink | Deep trait analysis | Ancient ancestry and traits | Yes |
| African Ancestry | Tribe or country matching | African maternal or paternal lineages | No |
| Nebula Genomics | Whole Genome Sequencing | Comprehensive genomic data | Yes |
| Promethease | Literature retrieval | Scientific data correlation | Yes |
Four of the five services — Helixline, Genomelink, Nebula Genomics and Promethease — can analyse raw data from third-party DNA services. Individuals who have already paid for a commercial DNA swab can download their raw data and upload it to these four platforms.
The exception to this is African Ancestry, which requires purchasing a dedicated test kit, as the standard autosomal files do not include the complete maternal and paternal markers.
Genetic information can reveal details about individuals and their biological relatives. Before uploading raw DNA files, users should check how platforms store, share and retain genetic data, whether they allow permanent deletion, and whether information is used for research.
Privacy policies differ across platforms. Promethease states that it deletes uploaded DNA files and reports after emailing the results, while Helixline provides users with file-deletion options. Genomelink outlines data-use and consent conditions, and Nebula Genomics describes encryption and blockchain-based privacy safeguards. These are company-reported policies and features, not guarantees of complete data security.
In India, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, provide a framework for digital personal data protection.
Also Read: Hyderabad Hospital Introduces Affordable Genetic Test for Personalized Medicine
Each of these DNA services provides users with specific information:
When taking a mainstream DNA test, individuals are often given a few general ethnicities for the whole of the Indian subcontinent. Helixline has been created specifically to serve South Asian populations. It also breaks an individual’s DNA down into over 75 specific South Asian ethnicities and analyses ancient population markers, including Ancestral North Indian (ANI) and Ancestral South Indian (ASI). As it accepts raw data uploads, it is an ideal choice for anyone of Indian descent wanting accurate regional results.
This service acts like an add-on to a standard DNA test. Once users have uploaded their raw data from a major DNA testing service, it scans through the markers not analyzed by the initial provider. It then produces detailed reports on your ancient ancestry, nutritional markers, and fitness markers. This is an effective way to get extra results from an existing test.
Most autosomal tests struggle to provide accurate results for specific African roots and will often give a general region. This service does not use autosomal analysis and instead tracks your unbroken maternal (mtDNA) and paternal (Y-DNA) markers. Because it compares these specific markers to the largest database of African genetic markers, users cannot upload existing autosomal data. Instead, using a dedicated kit, it identifies exactly where in modern-day Africa an individual’s maternal or paternal ancestors originated.
Most DNA kits use microarray genotyping to analyse your DNA. This means less than 1% of an individual’s DNA is analyzed. Nebula Genomics uses 30x Whole Genome Sequencing to provide access to 100% of a person’s DNA. This offers you detailed ancestry tracking and an ever-growing library of reports from new genetic research. Users can also upload third-party data, and the platform uses blockchain technology to ensure genetic data remains user-owned and private.
Promethease is not a DNA lifestyle service or test kit. It is a scientific search engine for DNA. Users simply upload their raw data, and the system searches those markers against SNPedia, a large wiki that matches each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to peer-reviewed scientific papers. It is inexpensive and provides a large amount of raw data on your ancestry and traits. However, users need some basic scientific knowledge to fully understand the clinical results.
Also Read: How Health Data Could Impact Health Insurance Companies with Predictive Care
Although ancestry testing is often marketed as recreational, some DNA platforms also provide health-related information, including carrier status and pharmacogenomic findings. Misinterpreting these results can cause unnecessary anxiety or false reassurance.
The Society for Indian Academy of Medical Genetics (SIAMG) has raised concerns about direct-to-consumer genetic testing, particularly the risks of inaccurate interpretation and inadequate pre-test and post-test genetic counselling. It recommends appropriate healthcare professional involvement in genetic testing.
Consumers considering health-related genetic tests should consult a qualified genetic counsellor or clinical geneticist to understand the results and their limitations.
To gain clear results from a DNA test, individuals should choose the right services to fill in any gaps in their results. If a mainstream DNA test provides only a general region, Helixline offers over 75 regional breakdowns and ANI or ASI analysis for South Asians. African Ancestry matches those of African descent to specific modern-day countries and tribes using maternal mtDNA and paternal Y-DNA markers. For those seeking extra results from your existing raw data, Genomelink breaks down your hidden nutritional, fitness, and ancient ancestry markers. Promethease matches specific SNPs to published scientific papers using SNPedia. Finally, for a full read-through of an individual’s genetic blueprint, Nebula Genomics uses 30x Whole Genome Sequencing to analyse 100% of the DNA and employs blockchain technology to keep your data safe.
References:
1. National Institute of Standards and Technology. “How Do Companies Measure DNA to Discover Your Ancestry?” Accessed November 2, 2026. https://www.nist.gov/how-do-you-measure-it/how-do-companies-measure-dna-discover-your-ancestry .
2. Indian Biological Data Centre. “GenomeIndia Project.” Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Accessed November 2, 2026. https://ibdc.dbt.gov.in/genomeindia/loadindex.
3. GenomeIndia Project. “Insights.” Accessed November 2, 2026. https://genomeindia.in/insights.php.
4. Bhattacharyya, Chandrika, et al. “Mapping Genetic Diversity with the GenomeIndia Project.” Nature Genetics 57 (2025): 767–773. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-025-02153-x.
5. Nature India. “India's DNA Map Uncovers Millions of Missing Genetic Variants.” May 4, 2026.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d44151-026-00082-0.
6. National Library of Medicine. “What Is Genetic Ancestry Testing?” MedlinePlus Genetics. Accessed November 2, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/dtcgenetictesting/ancestrytesting/.
7. Illumina. “Understanding Sequencing Coverage.” Accessed November 2, 2026.
https://www.illumina.com/science/technology/next-generation-sequencing/plan-experiments/coverage.html.
(OG/APC/MSM)