DNA genealogy tests

Thinking about taking a DNA test to enhance your family history research? Before you get started, it's important to understand how these tests work and how to understand the results. DNA genealogy tests work through a process of analyzing your genetic material to reveal information about your ancestry.

1. Sample Collection: You provide a DNA sample by spitting into a tube or swabbing the inside of your cheek. This sample contains cells with your DNA.

2. DNA Extraction: The testing company extracts DNA from your sample in their laboratory.

3. DNA Analysis: The company analyzes specific segments of your DNA. There are three main types of DNA used in genealogy testing:

   • Autosomal DNA: Inherited from both parents and useful for finding relatives within about 5-7 generations

   • Y-DNA: Passed from father to son (Y chromosome) and useful for tracing paternal lineages

   • Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Passed from mother to all children and useful for tracing maternal lineages

4. Comparison to Reference Databases: Your DNA is compared to:

   • Reference panels of people with known ancestry from different regions

   • Other customers in the company's database who have agreed to participate in relative matching

5. Results Generation: Based on these comparisons, the company creates reports that typically include:

   • Ethnicity or ancestry estimates (showing percentages of your DNA that match various regions)

   • Potential DNA matches (other customers who share segments of DNA with you)

   • In some cases, health-related information

6. Ongoing Updates: As more people take tests and reference databases grow, companies may update your results to improve accuracy.

Note that there are limitations to how accurate are the results. Ethnicity estimates are based on statistical models and reference populations. Different companies may give somewhat different results. Smaller percentages (below 5-10%) may be less reliable. Results are regularly updated (and will change!) as reference databases improve.

Be cautious! Before taking a test, it's worth researching the specific company's policies and reputation and discussing potential implications with family members who might be affected by your discoveries. Your genetic data could potentially be accessed by law enforcement with a warrant. Some companies may share anonymized data with research partners or third parties. Always check privacy policies carefully and understand what you're consenting to. Finally, consider the security practices of the company storing your genetic information.

Tobias History Research is a premier provider of history research and archives management services. With 20+ years of professional experience, founder Vicki Tobias helps clients expertly discover their history and enthusiastically share their stories. Learn more about her services.

DNA Genealogy Test Kits