Cri Genetics Reviews

CRI Genetics is a service that offers DNA testing kits for various purposes. It stands for Cellular Research Institute and has been providing direct-to-consumer DNA testing kits since 2016. The company is known for making complex DNA science easy to understand with tools and features that help contextualize personal genetic information.

The products of CRI Genetics focus on four main areas: ancestry, health, allergy, and weight loss. They offer animations showing ancestral migrations and provide histories of different regions. Their proprietary DNA algorithm uses hundreds of thousands of genetic markers to analyze ancestry.

However, it's important to note that while these tests provide interesting insights, they should not be used to make health decisions without consulting a healthcare professional. The health side of the business has received some skepticism from the scientific community. There is a lack of clinical evidence showing that genetic testing can actually determine the aspects of your health, such as nutrition and weight loss, that CRI Genetics attempts to report on.

CRI Genetics is best for people who are simply curious about genetic information. Because this is not considered a clinical-grade DNA test, CRI Genetics is not designed for use by hospitals or medical professionals. Instead, this “recreational” DNA test is intended for people looking to know what their DNA can tell them about their ancestry.

Pros of CRI Genetics:

• Affordable Option: CRI Genetics is relatively affordable compared to other DNA testing companies.
• Interactive Features: The company offers interactive features like an interactive map showing ancestral origins and a timeline of ancestors.
• 8-Week Guarantee: CRI Genetics provides an 8-week efficiency guarantee, ensuring results within this timeframe or a refund.
• Basic DNA Matching: The company offers a basic DNA match list, which can be useful for those interested in family connections.

Cons of CRI Genetics:

• Deceptive Marketing: The company has been fined $700,000 for using deceptive marketing tactics, including falsified reviews and misleading claims about accuracy.
• Lack of Transparency: CRI Genetics is less than transparent about its reference populations and methods for generating ethnicity reports, which can affect the accuracy of results.
• Inaccurate Results: Many customers have reported dissatisfaction with the accuracy of the test and the lack of detailed information provided.
• Aggressive Sales Strategy: Customers have complained about an overly aggressive sales strategy, including hidden fees and pop-ups designed to squeeze more money from consumers.
• Security Concerns: While CRI Genetics claims to keep data secure, the lack of detailed information about their methods and the small size of their reference population raise concerns about data security and accuracy.

Given these points, it is recommended to approach CRI Genetics with caution, especially if you are looking for clinical-grade health results or a more accurate ancestry report.