In an effort to assist the growing number of patrons who are interested in DNA testing from a genealogical perspective, I am sharing some of the most popular questions asked and some basic answers.
1. Why is genetic testing becoming so important to many genealogists?
a. DNA testing may provide a scientific way of validating or invalidating
information found in genealogical records or family traditions.
b. Tests may answer nagging questions about surname changes, adoptions, or
illegitimacies in family lines.
c. Test results may verify relationships with a family from a region where
you believe someone in your family line lived regardless of what the facts
at hand indicate or suggest.
d. If you have a suspicion, regardless of the reason, that you have a
common
ancestor with another individual or group.
e. Because of the recent advances in DNA test procedures and the
convergence
of genetics and genealogy, some proponents feel that DNA testing can make
up
for gaps in records availability.
2. How are these tests administered?
a. DNA tests administered for genealogical purposes do not involve any
type
of bloodletting versus those used for medical or criminal justice tests.
b. You would order a test from a licensed company or vendor and receive a
cheek swab kit in the mail or go to a specified testing facility.
c. The toothbrush-like device is used to painlessly scrape the inside of
your cheek.
d. You place the device and sample in the pre-paid envelope or container
and
ship it back to the company for analysis.
e. Your sample will be coded to protect your identity. The company will
send you an information packet containing the results and what they mean.
3. What current DNA testing for genealogical purposes CANNOT tell you:
a. Since the number of people who have taken the battery of tests is still
small, the results must be taken with a grain of salt.
b. In spite of what some proponents and critics claim, these tests will
not
reveal any information about your health or your predisposition for
certain
diseases. Since the regions being examined are between your genes (some
refer it this as junk DNA), result are to vague for any medical
conclusions.
c. These tests do not create a unique personal fingerprint that can be put
in a database to identify a specific individual.
d. These tests will not conclusively tell you which ethnic group or tribe
you may belong to or the exact country of origin for your specific
surname.
The tests are designed to allow you to make an educated guess based upon
certain genealogical characteristics.
The Fort Myers-Lee County Library has a number of study guides and articles that go into greater detail on this subject. These study guides are available for photocopying.