- Who has access to my DNA test results?
- Can I request that my data be erased from the database?
- How many ancestry DNA tests should I take?
- What do I do if I don’t like my results?
- What if I think my results are wrong?
- What if I have conflicting results from different companies?
- How do I find others with the same genealogy results as me?
- Will it help if my relatives get their DNA tested?
- Can I store my DNA for future testing?
- What can ancestry DNA tests tell me about my ethnic heritage?
- My ancestors are of different ethnicities and cultures. How can genealogy DNA testing help me sort it all out?
- What else can I use my DNA for besides genealogy testing?
- Can you tell me if I have disease-causing genes?
- Can I submit someone else’s DNA for testing?
- What if I'm adopted? What can a DNA test tell me about my birth families?
1. Who has access to my DNA test results?
You can choose the level of privacy you desire for your DNA test results. You can be the only one informed of your genetic results or, if you’ve signed the release form, you and other customers will be able to see what markers you have in common. This is what makes genetic genealogy fun – the ability to find other people who may share a common ancestor. As with all DNA testing services, you should read the privacy and confidentiality statements of each company carefully.
2. How do I request that my data be erased from the database?
You can request to be removed from the database by email, posted letter, or phone.
3. How many ancestry DNA tests should I take?
The number of DNA tests you decide to try will depend on the information you need, your budget, and your level of interest. For some people, a Y-DNA test either of their own DNA or a male relative’s will give them enough information. Others would like to trace as many lineages as possible and will not only try all the available DNA tests themselves, but will ask relatives to participate too. Each DNA test also comes in a range of detail, such as number of markers or length of DNA sequenced. You will want to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. You can usually upgrade to a more detailed test at a later date.
4. What do I do if I don’t like my results?
In some cases, customers may be surprised by the results of their genealogy DNA test. Maybe a link to a Native American tribe is discovered or a person who was believed to be a relative from many generations ago is found not to be genetically related at all despite the shared surname. It’s important to remember that DNA test results don’t change who you are and who you have been in your life. But if you would be disturbed to learn information that does not support what you already believe, you may want to reconsider taking a genetic test.
5. What if I think my results are wrong?
If the results of your DNA test are not what you expected, please email or call the company directly. The chances of your results being wrong are low because the laboratories of the companies we recommend all have stringent quality assurance procedures. However, a customer service representative should be able to explain your results further and offer you a re-test or supplementary test if necessary.
6. What if I have conflicting results from different companies?
Not all the tests offered by genealogy DNA testing companies are the same. They may analyze for different DNA markers, sequence different sections of your DNA, and/or analyze your genetic data differently. Check the details to see what kind of comparisons you can make.
7. How do I find others with the same genealogy results as me?
You must sign a release form that allows your DNA testing company to give other people your contact information if you share the same DNA markers. You may also want to visit online forums where people share their DNA testing results publicly.
8. Will it help if my relatives get their DNA tested?
When it comes to Y-DNA and mtDNA testing, the specific lineage being traced depends on the person who submits the sample. In some cases, such as mother and daughter both taking a mtDNA test, you will not gain more information from having a relative’s DNA tested. In other cases, such as a father and daughter taking a mtDNA test, you will learn about two different lineages in your family tree. For Y-DNA analysis, however, women will need a male relative because they do not carry a Y chromosome themselves.
Autosomal DNA tests for biogeographical ancestry will differ between individuals based on natural genetic variations. All of us receive a random assortment of genes from our parents that is unique only to us. This is why even siblings, except identical twins, are different from one another. You may find that results from autosomal DNA tests for you and your relatives differ from one another.
9. Can I store my DNA for future testing?
Yes, some companies will store your DNA sample. This makes it easier and faster for you to order new tests in the future. In addition, you can also purchase home kits for DNA storage.
10. What can ancestry DNA tests tell me about my ethnic heritage?
Y-DNA tests can be used to trace one paternal lineage back to a particular region of the world while mtDNA tests can be used to trace one maternal lineage. Autosomal DNA tests can give you admixture percentages of the relative contributions of various ethnic groups to your genetic make-up.
More information is available on the following pages specific for each type of test.
11. My ancestors are of different ethnicities and cultures. How can genealogy DNA testing help me sort it all out?
Genealogy DNA testing can only give you a snapshot of your personal ancestry. The results that you receive are probabilities and should not be considered precise estimates.
12. What else can I use my DNA for besides genealogy testing?
A number of companies offer DNA testing direct to consumers. DNA Direct specializes in medical genetic testing as well as genetic counseling services for your private use. In addition, you may consider using DNA to create DNA art prints or pendants. Some companies can also store your DNA for a fee.
13. Can you tell me if I have disease-causing genes?
No, genealogy testing will not detect genes associated with an increased risk of disease. In very rare cases, however, an absence of the DYS464 marker on the Y-chromosome may be found and is associated with male infertility.1
14. Can I submit someone else’s DNA for testing?
You should only submit your own DNA for testing unless you have the consent of the party you’re representing. Depending on where you live, it may be illegal for you to collect another person’s biological specimen for DNA analysis without their permission.
15. What if I'm adopted? What can a DNA test tell me about my birth families?
Genealogy DNA testing can help adoptees understand more about their roots and ethnic ancestry. You may also be able to find others who share the same common ancestor if they’ve made their genetic profile public. In a few cases, adoptees using genealogy DNA testing have been able to find a close relative, such as a parent or sibling.
1. DNA-based Genealogy Test May Reveal Infertility
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