Have you been trying for years to piece together your family tree? Or maybe you’re just a little curious to find out where you really come from. Whatever the reason for your interest in your origins, a top-quality DNA testing service can help you.
1. What can DNA testing offer?
Modern DNA testing can analyze your genetic make-up to give you a clear picture of both sides of your family tree, i.e. from your mother and father’s sides. The way your results are presented can vary depending on which company you use, but they are usually able to identify precise regions around the world where your ancestors lived.
Some DNA testing companies will be able to incorporate information about the migration of your ancestors. In addition, the company can compare your DNA to everyone else in its database, giving you a fascinating insight into how your genes relate to other people.
2. Finding a DNA testing service
As with many other things, technology has made it a lot easier for you to use a DNA testing service. Many of them are available online, allowing you to read about the service they offer before you make a decision. In addition, you can usually register online and have the DNA testing kit sent straight to your home, making the entire process very easy.
3. Taking the test
DNA tests are typically straightforward to take. Your test kit will come with instructions which you should read carefully. Sometimes, the test will involve you rubbing the sample pad or paper against your cheek or arm several times. Then, you have to put the sample in a sealed tube and send it back to the testing company for laboratory analysis. Another way that a sample can be collected is by you spitting saliva into a tube for analysis.
Once you’ve sent the sample back, the company will assess the results of your DNA test before sending them to you. Depending on the type of service offered by the DNA testing company, they may also provide you with a more detailed evaluation of how your DNA fits into broader trends from various parts of the world.
4. Understanding the results
Due to the large number of DNA samples gathered in databases and the scientific analysis of this information, companies can identify certain characteristics that link you to a region of the world. Results are now so accurate and detailed that full siblings can sometimes return different results.
In some cases, your results may also identify several people on the company’s database who could be related to you based on their DNA results. Your new relations could be anything from a long-lost cousin to a parent.
5. Privacy
You may be concerned about your privacy rights since your DNA is unique to you. DNA testing companies generally don’t claim rights to your DNA, so you’re the sole owner. You can read more about the privacy policy of each testing service on their website.
6. Contacting potential relatives
After you’ve received your test results, you may be interested in trying to make contact with potential relatives. Some DNA testing services offer an online community where you can interact with users whose DNA is strongly linked to yours. Alternatively, the information you get from your DNA test might open up new avenues for you to research your family’s past.
For example, once you know that your DNA suggests that your forefathers came from a particular region, you could travel there or view online records to try and locate your ancestors. If you travel to a particular region, you’ll have the benefit of being able to speak to locals who know the area and who may be able to help you trace someone.
