Using DNA for genealogy research

Many people have posted that they have tested their DNA for research into their genealogy. From what I’ve read on this forum many of them have not researched which DNA company to use. They automatically go to AncestryDNA because it is affiliated with Ancestry.com.

I would like to suggest that before you spend a considerable amount of money on DNA research, you check out the three main genealogy DNA companies. The largest database belongs to FamilyTreeDNA. They have been offering their service the longest with high integrity and service. The second testing company is 23andMe which offers health information along with genealogy research. The last one is AncestryDNA which piggybacks on Ancestry.com. Ancestry.com is a huge database which collects free genealogy information and sells it to you.

Cece Moore, The Genetic Genealogist writes: "The first step is to determine your testing goals. Do you have a general curiosity about genetic genealogy or is your focus more specific? For example, please consider the following questions:

• Are you primarily interested in researching your surname?
• Are there specific brick walls that you wish to target with the use of DNA testing?
• How far back in your family tree are these brick walls?
• What is the ancestral pattern back to these brick walls, i.e.- mother’s mother’s mother or father’s mother’s mother’s father?
• Are you ready for a long-term project or do you desire quick answers?
• Are there adoptions in your family tree that you would like to explore?
• Is your primary interest receiving a percentage breakdown of your overall ancestral origins or “ethnicity”?"

For further information and an unbiased report to help you decide which is best for your research purposes:

http://isogg.org/wiki/Beginners'_guides_to_genetic_genealogy
https://www.geni.com/blog/dna-testing-for-genealogy-getting-started-part-one-375984.html
http://www.dna-testing-adviser.com/DNA-Testing-Guide.html

Linda Romero