Menu
Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing in combination with traditional historical and genealogical research to infer relationships between individuals.
DNA testing is accessible, affordable and accurate, and is an essential tool when researching a family’s history – providing genetic evidence to confirm or disprove previous research.
DNA evidence can help solve family mysteries, overcome dead-ends encountered in traditional genealogical research, and identify previously unknown ancestors and biological relatives.
Genealogists worldwide use DNA results to:
Genetic genealogy can help identify biological relatives for people with one or more unknown parents or grandparents – including adoptees, donor conceived individuals, foundlings (abandoned newborns), child migrants, war babies and amnesiacs. It is just as useful in cases of misattributed parentage – where a DNA test reveals one or both parents are not as expected.
Gamete donors and natural parents participate in genealogy DNA testing in the hope of connecting with their relinquished offspring or being their first point of contact if their offspring or descendants of offspring ever do a DNA test.
Decades-old uncertainties about family structure and complex or mysterious relationships are finally being resolved through DNA testing.
Genealogy DNA tests were designed primarily for family history research purposes, so relying on limited genealogy data for making health and medical decisions is not recommended.
Some companies have developed tests with a primary focus on health, nutrition, medication, fitness and/or lifestyle reports, however they are separate services and are not included in genealogy DNA testing results.
Genealogists can upload their autosomal raw DNA data files to third party sites for a nominal fee to receive reports based on health and medical research.
Any concerns should always be checked with a health professional, clinical genetic tests ordered if appropriate, and genetic counselling sought if needed.
Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG/FIGG) is being used successfully by law enforcement agencies around the world to identify unidentified human remains (UHR), providing long awaited answers for the families of those identified, and often also resolving long term missing persons cases.
IGG/FIGG is also being used to identify perpetrators of serious violent crimes such as rape and murder, and has the potential to resolve many cold cases where suitable DNA evidence exists.
If you have tested your DNA at one of the major genealogy companies, you can help by uploading your raw DNA data file to GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and DNA Justice, and consenting to it being visible as a match to law enforcement profiles.
