How to Determine Genealogy Through DNA Testing
There are two primary DNA tests used in determining genealogy. The first and most general tests the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of the mother's line of descendants. Anyone can have this test done. The second common test looks at the Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) in males in an attempt to establish whether or not they share a specific common ancestry.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of genealogy question you want answered. Sometimes family histories are accurate and other times, not. If you believe your ancestors came from a specific region, then mitochondrial DNA testing may be the best test, as it compares your DNA with that of others with known descendants from a specific area. However, if you want to know if your great-great-grandfather is the same as another person's great-great-grandfather, then having a male family member test his
Y-DNA and compare it to a known male descendant of the person in question may be the way to go. -
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Make sure you test the correct person. Especially with Y-DNA testing, you must make sure you are testing the correct male, as Y-chromosomes can only be passed down from father to son. If you are a woman, you need to be certain your father, brother or father's brother is being tested and that you actually do share the same male ancestry.
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Find a reputable company with access to the right database. The best way to do this is to talk with other genealogists, especially those researching your family surname. Chances are, these groups already have DNA projects underway with specific sites such as FamilyTreeDNA, DNA Heritage and Ancestry.com.
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Review all instructions before performing the test. Most tests are simple, requiring nothing more than a cotton swabbing along the inside of the subject's mouth. However, there are specific chemical preparations inside the testing kits and it's important to follow proper procedures.
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Search multiple databases before submitting your results. The Reinyday Guide To Genealogical DNA Testing website (listed in the reference section) has links to many public databases for genealogical research. There you will find information about Y-DNA specific databases, haplotype for ethnicity and location-specific databases, as well as surname projects. The site's author has several projects going for German surnames seeking to find and test relatives around the globe.
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Tips & Warnings
Although many testing companies offer 12-marker tests at a lower price, most surname projects require testing of at least 25 genetic markers. Make sure you know how in-depth you need your information to be.
