Most people become interested in Ancestry Genetic Testing when they are trying to establish familial relationships with people who may be related. Another reason for ancestry genetic testing involves genealogists who explore the story of populations as they came to be, migrated and their relation to other groups.

What is Ancestry Genetic Testing

Genetic ancestry testing is a way for people interested in family history (genealogy) to discover information beyond what they can get from relatives or from historical documentation. Information about DNA variations can provide clues about where a person’s ancestors might have come from and about connections between families.

A small saliva sample is all that is usually needed to get the DNA information needed to perform an ancestry genetic test.

Different Types of Ancestry Genetic Testing

There are three common types of ancestry genetic testing. Each test is set up by a DNA testing lab to gather certain information based on the need by test participants. For example, some people may need proof of genetic ties between families, while other genetic testing may be geared towards distinguishing ethnic backgrounds. The three tests include:

• Mitochondrial DNA testing:Mitochondrial DNA testing can be useful for genealogy because it preserves information about female ancestors that may be lost from family records. The loss happened because women in previous generations traditionally changed their surname when they married. This type of DNA testing identifies genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA, which is passed on from the mother and this type of testing can be used by either sex.

• Y chromosome testing: Y chromosome testing can only be done on males, as females do not have a Y chromosome. Passed exclusively from father to son, the Y chromosome test can be used to explore ancestry in the male line in a family. Often Y chromosome testing is often used to resolve questions on whether two families with the same surname are related.

Female family members interested in this type of genetic testing will need to bring aboard a male relative to have the genetic test done.

• Single nucleotide polymorphism testing: Typically used by genealogists, this test is used to evaluate large numbers of variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) across an individual’s entire genome. The results are compared with other test participants in order to provide a clearer picture of a person’s ethnic background. For example, the pattern of SNPs might indicate that a person’s ancestry is approximately 60 percent European, 10 percent African, 20 percent Asian, and 10 percent unknown.

This type of test is most often used by genealogists used because Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA test results only single ancestral lines and do not give the whole picture of the ethnic background of a person.

Where can you get Ancestry Genetic Testing?

Ancestry Genetic Testing can be performed at most DNA testing centers. It is important o make sure that you choose a testing center that will provide security of any information and DNA samples you may provide.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the top DNA testing center in NYC AABB DNA TESTING.