In this introduction to DNA testing for family history purposes,
we’ll outline how DNA tests work, provide an explanation of the tests available
and the companies that offer them, and finally, explain what results you can
expect and how they can be used to answer family history questions.
The Companies
There are four main companies that offer tests which are useful
for family history. In order for a DNA test to be useful for genealogical
investigation, it must analyze informative markers on the DNA and it must
connect the results to a database of other tested individuals. Although there
are many companies that offer DNA testing for some type of ancestry analysis,
only four of these companies meet the aforementioned criteria: MyHeritage DNA, Ancestry.com, Family Tree DNA,
and 23andMe.
Taking the Test
Each of these companies use a similar collection method. After a
customer purchases a test, they will receive a kit in the mail. Ancestry.com
and 23andMe both use a saliva collection tube, whereas MyHeritage DNA and
FamilyTreeDNA both use a cheek swab. These non-invasive collection kits do not
require the subject to draw blood. They are simple to use and come with a detailed
set of instructions.
MyHeritage DNA, 23andMe and Ancestry.com require
creation of an account in order for the test to be fully processed.
FamilyTreeDNA will request an email address where the results can be sent.
Test Types
There are three types of tests offered for family history
purposes: Y-chromosome tests, mitochondrial DNA tests, and autosomal DNA tests.
The meaning behind these names will be explored below in the section titled
“DNA Types.”
All four companies offer an autosomal DNA test, and this is
the only test
offered at Ancestry.com, MyHeritage DNA and 23andMe. FamilyTreeDNA’s
autosomal DNA test is called the “Family Finder.” In addition to the Family
Finder autosomal DNA test, FamilyTreeDNA also offers several Y-chromosome and
mitochondrial DNA tests.
Although 23andMe includes some analysis of the Y-chromosome and
mitochondrial DNA as part of their product, this analysis only investigates the
very deep ancestry of these DNA types. Sometimes deep ancestry information can
offer clues, but it does not provide enough information to draw genealogical
conclusions.
The test results from each of the companies differ from one
another in some aspects, but have some basic shared elements. When your test
results are ready, you will receive a notification to your email and you will
be able to view them by logging into your account. Autosomal tests include
ancestral ethnicity estimates as well as a list of genetic cousins or matches
who are estimated relatives based on the amount of DNA that you share in common
with them. Each company offers different tools for additional analysis of
autosomal DNA test results. MyHeritage currently offers users the option to
upload their raw DNA from other companies in order to receive a free ethnicity report and free
matching.
Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA tests also include some basic
information about the geographic distribution of your DNA types, and also
include a list of relatives based on the markers that you share in common.
These test results also include a summary of the mutations on your own
Y-chromosome or mitochondrial DNA that make them unique from other lineages.
[continued tomorrow in Part 2]
NOTE: Legacy Tree Genealogists is not affiliated with any of the
companies mentioned in this blog post. However, our resident DNA experts would
be happy to help you analyze and make sense of the results you get from any of
them. Give us a call or drop us an email and let us know how we can help
you: https://legacytree.com/contact-us.
Legacy Tree Genealogists is the
world's highest client-rated genealogy research firm. Founded in 2004, the
company provides full-service genealogical research for clients worldwide,
helping them discover their roots and personal history through records,
narratives, and DNA. For more information on Legacy Tree and their services,
visit: www.legacytree.com
No comments:
Post a Comment