Ancestry testing involves comparing known small variations or genetic markers in a person's DNA to well studied DNA variations and markers from people all over the world to see where a person's ancestors are most likely from.
Did you know that the health history of your ancestors is a major factor in determining the likelihood of you, or of someone in your family being affected by a inherited disease? By using AccessDNA's family history tool, you will be taking an essential step towards learning your risk to develop or pass down to your children a variety of inherited diseases. Click below to use the tool or scroll down to read more about the various ancestry testing options.
What is Ancestry Testing?
Ancestry testing involves comparing known small variations or genetic markers in a person's DNA to well studied DNA variations and markers from people all over the world to see where a person's ancestors are most likely from.
Ancestry testing typically involves deciphering maternal (from your mother) lineage and paternal (from your father) lineage.
- Maternal lineage testing utilizes mitochrondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mitochondria are structures within our cells that have many functions, like converting energy from the food we eat into energy that the cells can use. Mitochondria have their own DNA called mtDNA, which is different from the rest of a person's genetic make-up. Both males and female inherit their mtDNA exclusively from their mother. Fathers do not pass down their mtDNA.
- Paternal lineage testing utilizes DNA fragments from the Y chromosome. Males have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. Males inherit their Y chromosome from their father.
- As females do not have a Y chromosome, they cannot have paternal testing. However, a male relative with their same last name (i.e. a full brother, paternal half-brother, father, paternal uncle, paternal grandfather) may take the test for them.
Alternatively, autosomal ancestry testing can involve deciphering autosomal variations (variations present throughout our entire genetic make-up).
- Autosomal testing utilizes DNA from throughout the entire genome to determine a genetic percentage of ethnic origin.
- Additional ethnic specific add-ons can further decipher ancestry within specific ethnic groups.
Ancestry testing is not an exact science. The validity and reliability of results are sometimes disputed. In general, the larger and more diverse the collection of analyzed DNA samples, the more reliable the results.
Ancestry Testing Considerations
Here are some considerations that may be useful when considering ancestry testing:
- Does the provider give discounts to people who participate in projects, such as surname and geographical projects, which contribute to the overall collection, accuracy and analysis of genetic genealogical information?
- Does the provider allow you to connect and share with other people who have been found to potentially share common ancestors?
- Does the provider offer discounts to people who purchase packages, like maternal lineage and paternal lineage together?
- Does the provider offer upgrade packages?
- Does the provider offer DNA storage options in order to allow for upgrades when other tests become available?
- Does the provider charge shipping fees, test kit fees, or membership fees?
The American Society of Human Genetics has issued a statement and recommendations for ancestry testing: ASHG Ancestry Testing Statement and Recommendations: Guidelines for Understanding the Issues and Implications Involved.
Ancestry Testing Providers
Ancestry testing laboratories have different standards and policies, which should always be reviewed before ordering.
- In general, the majority of providers offer ancestry testing involving both maternal and paternal lineages.
- Each provider tests for a different numbers of variations/markers within mtDNA and the Y chromosome. Typically, the more variations/ markers analyzed, the higher the cost of testing.
Ancestry testing is not intended for medical purposes, but for informational purposes only. Ancestry testing is widely available online (over the internet). Go to the Tests tab to link to the best providers, compare providers and read provider reviews or click here to see an expanded ancestry provider comparison chart.