DNA

Getting Help With Your DNA

The NZSG has an Online DNA Interest Group for members, which is building resources to help all levels of knowledge about using DNA for family history research. We have some of New Zealand's expert genetic genealogists amongst our membership.

If you're already a member, you can find out more about the Group. If you're not, join here.

• What is a Genealogy DNA Test?
• Why Test?
• Who to Test?
• How to Test?
  

What is a Genealogy DNA Test?

A genealogical DNA test could help you find genetic relatives and expand your genealogy research. It is another tool you can use to find family members who know more about your family. It does not replace your paper research - it's another set of data.

For more introductory information on the types of DNA tests, have a look at DNA Basics, part of the Getting It Right Series.

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) is the authoritative site on all things to do with DNA testing for Genealogy. Their Wiki has a huge amount of useful information, including for those new to DNA testing.

Why Test?

It is important to know what you want to get out of doing the DNA test. DNA does not lie and some people get unexpected results which become life-altering.

Gail Riddell discusses these in her presentation slides:

Might you use DNA to aid your genealogy research or just ignore it? (2015). (Adobe PDF) 3.89MB

From ISOGG:

• Before You Buy - some points to consider before you buy a DNA test kit.
• Unexpected Results - further information and places to get help or support.

Who to Test?

Most people test themselves. There are other people in your family who can improve the information you can receive from DNA testing.

Always ensure that family members are fully informed and give willing consent before doing a DNA test.

• Your parents (or grandparents) - you only inherit half of your parents' DNA. Testing them will get you all of their DNA.
• The oldest person available in your family such as (great) aunts and (great) uncles. Aunts and uncles will have a different set of DNA to you. Like your parents, they will have more DNA from their parents than you will have.
• Your siblings - they will have inherited a different set of DNA from your parents (unless you're identical twins).

How to Test

Testing Companies

	Ancestry DNA Autosomal
	FamilyTree DNA Autosomal, Mitochondrial, Y chromosome
	MyHeritage DNA Autosomal
	23andMe Autosomal
	Living DNA Autosomal
	Autosomal DNA Testing Companies ISOGG give a comparison of Autosomal DNA Testing Companies

DNA Sample Collection

There are two main types of DNA sample collection:

• The Cheek Swab method where the user gently scrapes the inside of their cheek
• Saliva method where the user spits into a tube.

Older people find producing saliva difficult so may prefer a cheek swab.

Your Results

Further resources about what to do once you've received your results is available for NZSG Members on our DNA - Your Results page.  Not a member? Join here!

19/01/2024