Before You Take a DNA Test
Getting Started With DNA Testing
Taking a DNA test can be a very exciting experience, whatever your reasons for testing. Perhaps you are looking for unknown relatives or want to break down a genealogy "brick wall". However, there a few things I would recommend you think through before you take the plunge: preparing for the unexpected, privacy considerations and the potential use of your DNA data for law enforcement. This is not intended to put you off testing, simply to make sure that you are fully informed.
Things to Think About Before You Take a DNA Test
Before taking a DNA test for the first time there are number of important factors to consider.
Uncovering the Unexpected
DNA does not lie (though sometimes its interpretation leaves a lot to be desired). However, we can’t always tell if our ancestors were telling the truth from documentary records. If your great grandmother had been being getting a little too friendly with one of the neighbours, there was nothing to stop her still naming her husband as the father on Granny’s birth certificate. You may discover you have been barking up the wrong tree!
Privacy Considerations
There are a number of options around what will happen to your data when you sign up for a DNA test. I always recommend reading the Terms & Conditions before you take your test. You have many choices: whether to display your real name publicly and whether to participate in DNA matching, for example. Some companies may also ask whether they can use your data for research purposes. These are your choices to make and there are no “wrong” choices.
Secrets Closer to Home
Uncovering a family secret many generations back doesn't tend to have a profound affect on our day to day lives. However, DNA testing can also uncover secrets of parentage closer to home. There are real reports of individuals finding out the man they thought was their biological father actually is not. How would you handle that, how would the wider family feel? Whilst there are treasures to find with a DNA test, it is important to make sure you are fully informed before taking the plunge.
DNA testing and law enforcement
There are now many reports in the media about DNA being used to solve cold cases, particularly in the US, using genetic genealogy databases. This is something else that you can elect to op-in or opt-out from when you sign up. Not all websites use data in this way and there are strict rules about the types of crimes that be investigated. Check the T&Cs. This is an area that causes great debate but is a very personal choice. Don’t let anyone pressure you one way or another on your decision.
What Will You Discover?
There are many reasons for taking a DNA test, such as wanting to find biological relatives, discovering where in the world your ancestors came from and breaking down family history "brick walls". However, genetic genealogy can be complicated field to navigate, particularly if you are more used to working with dusty documents! This is where I can help. My scientific background enables me to guide you through your DNA results and how they connect to the story of your family.
