DNA Tests: Risks and Rewards - RLS Photogenic (2024)

Chances are you have probably seen ads for Ancestry.com, or television shows like Who Do You Think You Are, Long Lost Family, and Finding Your Roots.

Do they ever spark your interest? Each person’s curiosity of their ancestral background varies. It may also depend on how much you already know, or don’t know.

Personally I have experienced both. I have heard many stories and seen pictures of relatives from my maternal side. But also knew practically nothing of my paternal side.

So all areas of genealogy (the study and tracing of lines of descent or development, continuously from an ancestor) always fascinated me.

There is what we think we know, what we don’t know at all, and the answers (or truth) are somewhere in between.

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Setting Expectations

DNA tests can provide some helpful lineage information. But from my years of research and doing a DNA test, before you begin I think you should know- you may never solve everything.

There will likely always be some unanswered questions. DNA results can provide helpful insight, but only so far.

Advertisem*nts create the misconception that one test can build your whole family tree and tell you everything you ever wanted to know. Well, that is not exactly true.

The Good

Depending on the company you use, your DNA can provide what countries your ancestors are from, some personal traits about yourself, and match you with other family members. IF they also took a test through the same company as you. So keep that in mind when choosing which kit to use, and viewing your results.

If you are seeking out lost/unknown relatives, or are trying to solve a family mystery, I recommend taking tests from more than one company. If you are just looking for an overview of your genealogy, one test is fine.

DNA Test Options

Here are some option of ancestral DNA kits:

• Ancestry DNA – https://amzn.to/3UdErMu
• 23 and Me – https://amzn.to/3Ukq2xA
• MyHeritage DNA – https://amzn.to/3zMDSRy

I did a kit through Ancestry in November of 2019. One thing I enjoy the most is that the DNA results update all the time as more people submit their sample and the program evolves. For that company, you simply spit saliva in to a small tube with a label and mail it back. It can take a few weeks for results.

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Results

The DNA results can show your ethnicity background, such as where your ancestors came from and what you have inherited. An interactive map displays what specific areas and communities your relatives lived.

A new update (as of Nov.2022) even shows the percentages passed down to you from either of your parents. It helps to know a little bit of your background so you can identify which parent (ex: A or B) is the Maternal (mother) or Paternal (father) side of the results.

I was able to learn that my genetic makeup is mostly European, primarily from the Russia/Poland area, but also a mix of other things that I never knew. Such as being 6% Irish and 3% Scottish.

There is also an add-on feature with Ancestry DNA for Traits. This shares insight for personal things such as nutrients, fitness, sensory, and appearance.

Family Match Surprises

Discovering DNA Matches is another exciting feature after taking a test. I grew up with a small immediate family, yet have over 20,000 DNA Matches. It can take some time processing who all these new relatives are.

There is an option to message with other family members on Ancestry.com

Last year I was able to connect and exchange pictures with a relative that my grandmother never knew she had. He was a descendent of an Uncle that remained in Poland, when the rest of the family came to America.

The Bad

DNA is not all inclusive for every detail about your heritage. Building a family tree and doing your own research to accompany the DNA results is the best option for more detailed outcomes. One goes along with the other to create the bigger story.

Depending on the program you use, there are separate fees for using the historical records to research your family. But this is different from just the DNA test.

It can take time to determine how exactly a matched person is related. For example, it may say ‘close relative’ but not specifically state that they are your Aunt. So having a family tree is helpful to determine who each person is in relation to the DNA matches.

Unpredictable

A disappointing thing to keep in mind is many people take a test, get their results, and never log back in. So your messages may go un-answered for awhile.

Another potential situation is, people that do not want to be found or contacted. Someone my take a test with all the best intentions, but then discover a family secret and no longer want to interact with others.

You yourself may discover something you never knew before, so please prepare yourself for that possibility. It can be very exciting but also a bit nerve racking waiting for results.

Identity

You may have a bit of identity confusion with your ethnicity results like I did! My whole life I told people I was Italian, French, and Polish from my maternal grandparents. Well, my first round of results showed zero from Italy, none what so ever.

Now after a few years with updated results, I have 6% Italian. Still far less than what I expected. In my mind, I am still Italian like my grandfather, but it is just not as prevalent in my genetics. Most of my DNA/ethnicity results are from my maternal grandmother, followed by my paternal side.

Database

I understand some people’s concerns of the DNA being in a database system. I did consider this when taking my test. But I rationalized it with: DNA is really everywhere and gaining genealogy information outweighed any doubts that I had.

Side Note

Personally what I find the most interesting is genetics and appearance. I share about 37% of my ethnic makeup directly from my grandmother. Yet, I look nothing like her. But my sister is the 4th in the generation to look exactly the same as our great-grandmother. I know there are so many factors and biology that goes in to this but it all fascinates me regardless!

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Conclusion

I hope you found this broad overview helpful! Please check out the product recommendations below!

After considering the risks and rewards of DNA testing, the choice is truly up to you! There can be many wonderful outcomes but there is also a valid fear of the unknown. I wish you the best of luck with what ever you decide!

If you have any questions please feel free to email me at Rebekka@RLSPhotogenic.com, send me a note on social media (@rlsphotogenic), or by mail at 76 Brookside Ave, PO Box #436, Chester, NY, 10918

RLS Photogenic is Dedicated to Preserving Memories for Future Generations.