About DNA Testing

Genetic Genealogy takes genealogy to a new level!

Sooner or later, in researching a family tree, we all get to the point where the paper records become scarce to non-existent. Perhaps we have several possibilities or much circumstantial evidence as to whom the next ancestor in a line may be, but no way to determine which is which. DNA testing
may be just the thing to help to break down some of those “brick walls.” As interest in DNA testing for genealogy has exploded in the last few years, many people want to get involved, but don't know the best way to go about it. Here's some help!

If you want to get involved in Genetic Genealogy, here are some basic things you should know:

You have a choice of two basic DNA tests in the genetic genealogy field:

1. yDNA for the male (paternal) line. Only males can take this test, although women can find a male to represent their family line in the yDNA project. For purposes of a surname study, the lab looks at the yDNA of the chromosome, which only males have (males have XY chromosomes, females have XX chromosomes). The yDNA is passed from father to son in a direct line, and is useful for tracing the surname, which also passes from father to son.

2. mtDNA for the female (maternal) line. To determine the deep ancestry we all inherit through our mothers, the lab tests the mitochondrial dna (mtDNA), which both males and females receive from their mothers, but only females can pass on. This test can trace your mother's mother's .....mother's line, and tell you your deep ethnic and geographic heritage, but it is not useful, as yet, in a surname DNA project, as the names change with every generation.

Follow our Step-by-Step Guide!

DNA TESTING THE SMART WAY

Here are the simple rules of DNA testing:

1.   A man you are testing with yDNA must be directly descended from the (male) ancestor you are interested in researching - with no females between them (yDNA cannot pass through a female ancestor)
2.   A person testing with mtDNA must be directly descended from the (female) ancestor you are interested in researching - with no males between the test taker and ancestor being researched (mtDNA cannot pass through a male ancestor)
3.   A female can find a male relative to be yDNA-tested to represent her family line. This can be a father or brother, but sometimes you will have to go back up the family tree and back down to find the right male. For example: Did your father have a brother? Did he have sons? Did your grandfather have a brother? Did he have sons? Did they have sons? Did your great grandfather have a brother? Did he have sons? Did they have sons?...and so on. Any male you find in this way will be able to represent your family surname line.

And Remember:

To gain the most information from your test, join a surname project. You will be working with researchers who share a common interest in the family tree, and your test will cost less when
you order through a project!

A "paper trail" is still necessary to get the most out of your DNA testing. For tips on how to find and record your own family history, click here.

The most useful comparisons are between men who have closely matching yDNA patterns and who have also established paper trails (genealogies). So be sure you post your pedigree on your project's pedigree forum.

Testing is simple. You are sent a test kit through the mail, which contains cheek swabs which you rub on the inside of your cheek and return.

Success! Many people have already had success using DNA for genealogy. Click here to see some of our success stories.