Exciting ancestor research made easy: DNA tests reveal their roots

ancestral research has great attraction for many people. The search for your own roots and discovering unknown relatives can be emotional and exciting experiences. DNA tests offer a modern way to learn more about your own origin and possibly find relatives that you didn't know beforehand.

A DNA test for ancestral research is typically carried out by removing a saliva sample, which is then sent to a specialized laboratory. There the DNA is analyzed and a genetic profile is created that is stored in a database. These databases enable users to compensate for their DNA with other profiles. In the event of agreement, information about genetic relationships can be displayed, whereby the number of matches offers indications for the proximity of the relationship.

In addition to the services of the relatives determination, some providers also offer ethnicity estimates. The DNA is compared with data from other people from different regions of the world in order to give a statistical assessment of where the ancestors come from. This information can be particularly interesting if you reflect historical family stories, although you may not be sufficiently precise to be reliable for genealogical research.

However, there are also limitation when using DNA tests for ancestral research. An essential prerequisite for the successful identification of relatives is that the respective related DNA tests have also carried out on a specific provider. In addition, the ability to recognize distant relationships can be limited in genetic relatives from the fourth grades, since these may no longer have any detectable DNA agreements.

Another important aspect that interested users should consider is data protection. When providing genetic information, consumers should always pay attention to how their data is treated. The Stiftung Warentest recommends using pseudonyms and neutral e-mail addresses when registering for ancestral research portals in order to minimize the risk of data application by third parties. It is also advisable to carefully read the data protection declarations of the providers before entering personal data in order to gain a better understanding of dealing with your own DNA data.