It began with Mom submitting her DNA profile to Ancestry.com to assist in the search for her father’s biological family.  I knew nothing about genetic genealogy or how to analyze DNA matches on Ancestry.com.  It took about six months for me to learn the process and to understand the nuances of the process.  Over these several years that I’ve been working in genetic genealogy, I have developed a procedure that I use when I assist someone in analyzing their DNA matches on Amazon.com.  

WHAT IS GENETIC GENEALOGY?

Genetic Genealogy is the use of genealogy DNA testing and profiling in conjunction with traditional genealogical research methods to find possible relationships between individuals by determining the level of shared DNA between the individuals.

Prior to the rise of commercial genetic genealogy testing, the traditional tools used to research your family history was documentary research. Before online record services such as Ancestry.com, someone researching their family history could spend years in libraries, courthouses, and archives searching census records, obituaries, marriage records, local histories, etc., searching for that one piece of elusive information that will break through the inevitable brick wall or compiling a decent amount of information to create a history of the family. However, this method also has many avenues for errors. I could write a whole blog based solely on the frustrations of using documentary sources; even primary sources can have errors. 

With the advent of genetic genealogy, a whole new world of information was discovered. What you might have known about your family through documentary evidence, might no longer be true with genetic genealogy. In other words, “DNA doesn’t lie.” Documents are fallible, people tend to have secrets they will take to their graves, and then there’s the truth that got lost over the years. With DNA, those research problems are basically gone; however, other issues arise…

Which DNA test do I take and which company do I use?

There are three types of DNA tests:

• Autosomal (atDNA) test – this test is best if you are a beginner and want to identify relatives on both your paternal and maternal lines. This test will also identify your genetic make-up and where your ancestors originated.
• Y-DNA test – this test identifies male relatives on the paternal line; only males can take this test. This test is mainly for males who are searching for specific information on their paternal line, and is recommended for intermediate or experienced DNA researchers. 
• Mitochondrial (mtDNA) test – this test identifies genetic relationships on a maternal line and can be taken by both men and women. Like the Y-DNA test, this test is recommended for intermediate or experienced DNA researchers.

Determining which test you should take depends on what you want to find. Are you curious about your ethnic make-up? Are you searching for biological family? Are you looking for health information? When you answer that question, the next question is which testing company do I use?  There are many, many, many testing companies. The five major testing companies are: 

• Ancestry.com – has the best integration of DNA analysis and historical document research for building a family tree. It is the largest of the DNA testing services. It uses only the autosomal DNA test. It offers many tools to assist in analyzing your DNA matches.  This is my preference.
• 23 and Me – its personalized health report is approved by the FDA as a risk screener for diseases. It has three main analysis sections; health, ancestry, and traits. It does not offer integrated access to historical documents, which is a huge drawback if you are doing serious genealogical research. It offers only autosomal DNA test. ***NOTE*** AS OF MARCH 2025, THIS COMPANY HAS FILED BANKRUPTCY. I recommend researching this company before purchasing a kit.
• Family Tree DNA – offers all three types of DNA tests; autosomal, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial. It has a more complicated user interface compared to Ancestry and 23&Me; however, it does provide more tools for analysis; such as, a chromosome browser, migration maps, haplogroups, etc.  It does include historical document research; however, their database is not as extensive as Ancestry and the document integration into the tree is either non-existent or it is not very user-friendly.
• My Heritage – offers basic DNA testing and basic family tree-building, along with access to historical documents; however, the integration of these formats is not as powerful as Ancestry.com. It also provides a personalized report of your genetic make-up. It also offers a health screening test similar to 23andMe. The user interface is not as user-friendly as Ancestry or 23andMe. 
• GEDMatch – “GEDmatch is a free DNA comparison and analysis website for people who have tested their autosomal DNA using a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, such as Ancestry, 23andMe, FTDNA, or have a custom file from other sources.”  Some law enforcement agencies have used this website as an investigative tool in cold cases.  If you do not want to have your DNA profile included in law enforcement investigations, you can opt out.  

Thank you for considering me in your search for your biological family. I know this is a big step for you. 

I do not charge a fee to help you find your family. This is a hobby for me and I enjoy helping people find their biological families. Each person I help, helps me develop my techniques and processes even more; therefore, I receive a benefit from assisting you as well. I believe everyone has a right to know who their biological families are and that information ultimately belongs to you. 

I use only Ancestry.com to analyze the DNA matches of those I work with because that is the testing company I use for my own family research and the one I am most familiar with. I do not receive any compensation from Ancestry.com nor do I have any relationship with Ancestry.com other than the paid account I maintain with Ancestry.com. They do not support nor do they promote or endorse the techniques and processes I use to analyze DNA matches. I developed these techniques and processes over time, through research and learning from other’s techniques and processes, and applying what I learned to what works best for me. 

You can purchase a DNA kit from Ancestry.com HERE. Ancestry will reduce their price several times throughout the year; generally around holidays. If you are interested in purchasing the AncestryDNA kit, I suggest waiting until the kits go on sale, which can be a considerable savings.  However, if you wish to purchase the kit immediately without waiting for it to go on sale, I can send you a referral for a discount of the $99.00 price. If you use my referral, you will receive a discount and I will receive a $10 Amazon gift card after you order the AncestryDNA kit. Ancestry makes this referral program available to its paid members to encourage others to purchase the AncestryDNA kit. 

NOTE: You are not required to purchase a membership with Ancestry.com to submit a DNA kit. You are only required to pay for the price of the kit. Ancestry might ask you if you would like to purchase a membership when you create your account; however, it is not a requirement for this purpose. 

When you receive your DNA kit, follow the instructions on how to give your sample and Activate Your DNA Kit.

For me to assist you in analyzing your DNA matches, you will need to authorize me to view your DNA matches (see instructions below). While this sounds a little scary, rest assured that your authorization only allows me to view your DNA matches. This authorization does not allow me to access your account or personal information, nor does it allow me to view or make changes to your password or other account information. I will only be able to view your DNA matches. You will retain complete control over your account and at any time you can revoke my access to view your DNA matches.

During the process of analyzing your DNA matches, I will prepare a family tree for you that will include your ancestors. I suggest you create a tree when you set up your DNA account and include any information you have on your parents and grandparents; however, just your name will suffice if that is all you have. I will need access to this tree as well so I can add your ancestor information (see instructions below). Again, at any time you can revoke my access to this tree

Authorize Me to View Your DNA Matches (instructions for web-based access only, not for the phone app)

1. Sign in to your Ancestry.com account. At the top of the page, click on the DNA drop-down menu, then click on “Your Results Summary”.
2. Under your profile name, there are four drop-down menus; Summary, Origins, Matches, and Traits. Make sure Summary is chosen.
3. Next to “Your DNA Report” and on the right side of the page are two buttons. Click on DNA Settings.
4. Scroll down until you see the block labeled “DNA Test Sharing”. Click on the “DNA Test Sharing” arrow. At the next screen DNA Test Sharing, you will see your name and under the heading “Role” you will see Owner. 
5. Click on the “Invite” button at the top of the box. 
6. In the “Email address or username” box, type in my email address: Family.History.Research.Project@gmail.com.
7. You will add me as a Manager, so click the button next to Manager. Then click the “Invite” button. 

Authorize Me to Access Your Tree (instructions for web-based access only, not for the phone app)

1. Sign in to your Ancestry.com account. At the top of the page, click on the Trees drop-down menu, then click on “Create & Manage Trees”. This page will show you a list of your trees. If you do not have a tree already, you will need to create one.
2. Find the tree in your list you want to grant me access to. At the right under the heading “Tools”, click on “Tree Settings”. 
3. At the top of the page under “Tree Settings”, click on “Invitations. 
4. At the right side of the page, click on “+Invite people”. 
5. Click on the tab for “Email”. 
6. In the “Email” box, type in my email address Family.History.Research.Project@gmail.com. 
7. Under the “Role” drop-down menu, choose “Editor”. 
8. Click on “Send Invites” button. 

As soon as I have access to view your DNA matches and access to your tree (if you create your own tree), I will begin the process of analyzing your DNA matches. I will generally contact you within 48 hours of beginning the process to give you an update. At any time, you can email me with any questions you might have. 

I cannot guarantee that I will find the biological family you are searching for. The progress I make will depend solely on the matches in your list and the information provided by each of the matches, which is completely random and out of my control. However, if I am not able to get as close as grandparents, I will continue to monitor your DNA matches for any new matches that might appear, as long as you allow me access to them. 

If I am able to find your biological grandparents, I will send you a list of their children who could be potential biological parents. If available, I will also send you contact information for the potential biological parents and any children they might have. It will be up to you to contact them, if you choose to do so. I can give you guidance if you choose to contact your biological family; however, I will not make contact with the biological family on your behalf as I believe the initial contact should be from you.

If, at any time, you decide you do not want to proceed with the search, just let me know and I will stop all research. 

If you are interested in finding your biological family or have questions about using DNA to find your biological family, send me a message below and I will get in touch right away.