Q: Can I build my family tree for free?

Yes, anumber of family tree builders on this list – including Ancestry – offer unlimited free trials, so you can try out all the software has to offer, risk-free.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Results?

The timeframe can vary, usually ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months , depending on the provider and the complexity of the test. For example, MyHeritage usually delivers results within three weeks.

Question 1

What software and devices work with family tree builders?

Accepted Answer

It’s never been easier to build your family tree. There are many benefits of genealogy software over the old fashioned way, with pen and paper. Not only can you easily rectify mistakes, but you also have billions of historical documents at your fingertips. Most of the best family tree builders on this list can be used online or are compatible with both Windows and Mac. Many also have apps for iOS and Android.

Question 2

Which family tree maker is the best?

Accepted Answer

Each family tree builder has its own pros and cons. Some have large databases of historical records to help with research into your ancestors. Others give you ways to connect with relatives linked to your tree. It’s important to determine what features matter the most to you before choosing your genealogy software.

Our top pick is AncestryDNA as it scores well in all the areas we tested. A subscription lets you access more than 27 billion historical records, connect with other users who are potential relatives, and even link DNA test results to your tree.

Question 3

Can I build my family tree for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, anumber of family tree builders on this list &#x2013; including Ancestry &#x2013; offer unlimited free trials, so you can try out all the software has to offer, risk-free.&#xA0;

Question 4

How can you protect your privacy when building your family tree?

Accepted Answer

Built into most family tree software is the option to make your tree public (visible to others) or private (only visible to you). However, doing so can limit your ability to connect with other potential relatives.

Always make sure you read a company’s privacy policy before signing up to get an understanding of how it stores and uses your personal data.

Question 5

How can you find pictures of distant relatives?

Accepted Answer

Adding pictures of your distant relatives to your tree the fun part and it can really bring your charts and reports to life. The majority of the family tree builders on our list allow you to add media to your tree, and some even have photo editing software.

What if you only have photographs of relatives going back a couple of generations? Where do you find pictures of your more distant ancestors?

A simple web search may provide you with some images of your ancestors, particularly if they appeared in newspaper articles or submissions to Wikipedia. But, if you don’t get lucky, subscribing to a genealogy – like MyHeritage or Ancestry – may unveil photos of your distant relatives in their archives.

Question 6

What Can DNA Kits Reveal About My Ancestry?

Accepted Answer

DNA kits can analyze specific genetic markers to trace your ethnic origins, and migration patterns, and even find relatives through DNA matching. With some kits, you’ll be able to trace your maternal and paternal lines through history as well. Most kits will give you a breakdown of your ancestral origins (in percentages) and a lot of data which will allow you to trace your family geographically and historically.

Question 7

How Accurate Are Genetic Testing Kits?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy varies among providers and depends on the technology used, the database’s size, and the specific markers analyzed. Generally, reputable companies offer a high degree of accuracy. I recommend trying one of the kits from my list above, since our reviewers and researchers had high degrees of accuracy with all of them.

Question 8

Can DNA Kits Provide Health Information?

Accepted Answer

Some DNA kits offer insights into health predispositions, traits, and wellness recommendations based on genetic markers. For example, LivingDNA can give you information about your health risks based on your genes. However, you should always consult a medical professional before taking any medications or deciding on treatments.

Question 9

How Do I Collect and Send a DNA Sample?

Accepted Answer

Most kits include a cheek swab or saliva collection tube, along with instructions for collecting and packaging the sample. The kit typically includes a prepaid envelope for easy mailing. It usually takes only a few moments to take the sample and you won’t have any trouble doing it.

Question 10

How Long Does It Take to Get Results?

Accepted Answer

The timeframe can vary, usually ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the provider and the complexity of the test. For example, MyHeritage usually delivers results within three weeks.

Question 11

What Measures Are Taken to Ensure Privacy?

Accepted Answer

Reputable companies use encryption, secure servers, and adhere to privacy regulations. Always review the privacy policy to understand how your data is handled. With some companies, you will also be able to request deletion of your data. Companies listed above all have extensive privacy measures, such as de-identifying your data, destroying samples after they&#x2019;re analyzed, etc.&#xA0;

Question 12

Can I Share My Results with Family Members?

Accepted Answer

Many services allow sharing with family or connecting with potential relatives through their platforms. The level of sharing is often under your control. You can even share your results (in case of kits that test your health and wellness) with a medical professional.

Question 13

What if I Have Questions About My Results?

Accepted Answer

Most companies provide customer support, guides, and additional resources to help you understand and interpret your results.

Question 14

Are Genetic Testing Kits Suitable for Children?

Accepted Answer

Some kits are designed for adults, while others may offer family or ancestry insights suitable for children. Always review the product details and consult with a healthcare provider if considering health-related testing for minors.

Question 15

Can I Use My DNA Data for Further Research or Medical Consultation?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the provider and the test, you may be able to download your raw DNA data for further research or consultation with healthcare professionals. Some companies also offer participation in research studies.

Question 16

How Much Do DNA Kits Cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices vary widely depending on the scope of testing, brand reputation, and any additional features or subscriptions. The cheapest DNA test kit on the market is often MyHeritage, but AncestryDNA isn’t far behind. You can take a look at the pricing breakdown in our comparison table.

Question 17

Does Living DNA offer any regular or special discounts?

Accepted Answer

Living DNA’s kits are very affordable compared to a lot of other tests out there. It does run some discounts to help you save even more money every now and again. Right now, all of its kits are discounted by up to 45%.

Question 18

How does Living DNA pricing compare to competitors?

Accepted Answer

In terms of both the insights it offers and its price tag, Living DNA’s wellbeing test is $20 cheaper than 23andMe’s health and ancestry kit. And 23andMe only touches on nutrition and exercise, which is Living DNA’s main focus. But you do get reports on your genetic predisposition and carrier status for certain conditions with 23andMe.

Living DNA’s ancestry test is more expensive than both MyHeritage and AncestryDNA, but you do get sub-regional origin mapping to over 100 subregions in Europe, Britain, and Africa. Though you don’t get a family tree builder, like with MyHeritage and AncestryDNA.

Question 19

Does Living DNA include shipping?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. Living DNA does not include shipping. , so you could try that kit if you prefer. But a lack of free shipping isn’t uncommon in the DNA testing market, as AncestryDNA and MyHeritage don’t offer it either.

Question 20

Is there a subscription cost for Living DNA?

Accepted Answer

Living DNA doesn’t make you pay any ongoing subscription costs. You’d usually expect to pay this for family tree builders and genealogical research, like with AncestryDNA and MyHeritage, but this isn’t something Living DNA offers.

Question 21

What is an avuncular DNA test?

Accepted Answer

An avuncular DNA test is used to determine the likelihood of a biological relationship between an individual and their potential aunt or uncle. It analyzes specific DNA markers to identify genetic similarities indicative of such a familial connection.

Question 22

How accurate are avuncular DNA tests?

Accepted Answer

Avuncular DNA tests are generally highly accurate, with many kits boasting over 99% accuracy for detecting genetic markers. However, the overall certainty of the relationship may vary based on the amount of shared DNA and the specific test&#x2019;s methodology.

Question 23

Can an avuncular DNA test distinguish between an aunt and an uncle?

Accepted Answer

While an avuncular DNA test can confirm a genetic link to an aunt or uncle, it typically cannot specify whether the relative is on the maternal or paternal side without additional genetic information from other family members.

Question 24

Are at-home avuncular DNA tests admissible in court?

Accepted Answer

At-home avuncular DNA tests are not usually admissible in court due to the lack of a verified chain of custody for the DNA sample. Legal DNA tests require sample collection and documentation by a neutral third party to be considered valid for legal purposes.

Question 25

How long does it take to get results from an avuncular DNA test?

Accepted Answer

The turnaround time for avuncular DNA test results can vary by provider, but most at-home kits deliver results within 2 to 8 weeks from the time the lab receives the sample. This timeframe allows for the careful analysis and reporting of the genetic data.

Question 26

What is the accuracy rate of paternity DNA tests?

Accepted Answer

Paternity DNA tests are highly accurate, with most reputable companies offering a 99.99% accuracy rate for tests that show a biological relationship and 100% for those that exclude it. The precision is contingent upon the quality of the sample and the testing methodology.

Question 27

Can a DNA test for paternity be done without the father&#x2019;s knowledge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a DNA test for paternity can technically be conducted without the father&#x2019;s knowledge using discreet samples such as hair, nail clippings, or used personal items. However, for legal tests, the consent of all adults involved is typically required, and the sample collection must be witnessed. For an at-home DNA test like Ancestry&#x2019;s, you don&#x2019;t need any samples from the person you believe to be your father as the test will automatically reveal your relatives if they exist in the DNA database.

Question 28

How long does it take to get results from a paternity DNA test?

Accepted Answer

The turnaround time for paternity test results can vary by company but typically ranges from a few days to two weeks after the laboratory receives the samples.

Question 29

Are home paternity test results admissible in court?

Accepted Answer

Not all home paternity tests are admissible in court. For results to be legally binding, the DNA test must be a legal or court-admissible test that follows a chain of custody procedure, including verified identities and a witness during sample collection.

Question 30

How much does a paternity DNA test cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a paternity DNA test can range from approximately $60 to $200 for at-home testing kits. Legal tests that produce court-admissible results are more expensive, often ranging from $300 to $500, due to the additional documentation and verification processes involved. But if all you want to know is whether or not someone is your father, without needing to prove it at court, then an at-home DNA test is the perfect choice for you. MyHeritage, for example, costs only $39 at the moment and it&#x2019;s very accurate. Plus, it could connect you to your paternal relatives or any siblings you have from your father&#x2019;s side.

Question 31

How long until you get your results from FamilyTreeDNA and 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

Your results from 23andMe should be ready in 4-6 weeks after the lab has received your samples. My results were ready in a little over five weeks, and I received updates on the progress of my kit throughout the testing process.

How long it takes to get your results from FamilyTreeDNA depends on which test you take. Family Finder results typically take between 2 to 4 weeks (mine arrived in just over 2 weeks), mtDNA results usually take between 6 to 8 weeks, and you can expect your Y-DNA results in 3 to 6 weeks with the exception of the Big Y-700 test, which takes 6-10 weeks.

Question 32

How accurate is 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

23andMe is confident it can determine your ancestry down to the 0.1 percent by comparing thousands of small segments of your DNA to huge reference populations with established ethnicity. The precise algorithm 23andMe uses is very accurate, but your ethnicity estimate is still just that, an estimate.

Question 33

Which FamilyTreeDNA Test is best?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what you’re looking to get from your results. To discover a breakdown of your ethnic and geographical ancestry, an insight into your ancient European ancestry, and DNA matches to find potential relatives, you’re sure to be satisfied with the Family Finder test.

However, if you want a deeper insight into the migration patterns of your ancient ancestors and trace your maternal and paternal lineages all the way back to Africa, you may want to choose mtDNA and Y-DNA testing.

Question 34

Can 23andMe diagnose me with a disease?

Accepted Answer

No, 23andMe cannot detect or diagnose any health condition. The health report can tell you if you have specific gene variants that have been linked to an increased risk of developing certain conditions. It’s important to remember, that not all gene variants linked to genetic conditions are analyzed and lifestyle factors also play an important role in disease risk.

The carrier status reports indicate if you possess gene variants linked to congenital conditions that could be passed on to your children if your partner is also a carrier.

If you’re worried about your DNA results, or what they mean for your future health, consider discussing your results with a genetic counselor or your personal physician, who can help you better understand your risk.

Question 35

Who should choose FamilyTreeDNA over 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

After weeks of research, I came to the conclusion that 23andMe has the better ancestry DNA testing, but for some FamilyTreeDNA may be a better fit.

If you want to learn about your family history and enjoy doing research in your spare time, then FamilyTreeDNA is a better fit for you over 23andMe. While 23andMe has more users, FamilyTreeDNA offers tools and resources a genealogist is likely going to value more.

FamilyTreeDNA has numerous projects you can work on with other members to discover details related to your surname or haplogroups. You can also link your DNA test results to a family tree and organize all your data in one visually appealing location.

Question 36

I&#x2019;m interested in building a family tree, should I choose 23andMe or FamilyTreeDNA?

Accepted Answer

You can start building your family tree for free with both 23andMe and FamilyTreeDNA. Plus both companies allow you to link your DNA test to your tree and contact your DNA matches, which can help expand your tree beyond your own personal knowledge. So, if you’re an amateur genealogist, just looking to start on your family history, either provider is a good option.

However, as you’re serious about building an extensive family tree that goes way beyond what you know, neither 23andMe nor FamilyTreeDNA is going to cut it as they don’t have databases of historical records or other premium genealogy features.

Ancestryand MyHeritage not only offer great ancestry DNA tests but also have excellent family tree building software, which includes access to huge databases of historical records if you sign up for a paid subscription. Plus, you can test them out before making a commitment as they both offer free 14-day trials.

Question 37

How much does a cat DNA test cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of cat DNA tests vary, but usually, they’re around $100-$150. As you’d expect, the more you pay, the more information you get.

You can often buy individual kits that only test one aspect of your cat’s DNA, such as allergies. These usually start from as little as $60.

Question 38

Which cat DNA test is the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

All of the test kits on this list are 100% verified and accurate. We put every kit through stringent testing during our review process to make sure you can rely on their results.

As with most other DNA kits, no cat DNA test is 100% accurate, and it can depend on a lot of factors from the size of their database, to the quality of your sample. The most accurate test is Basepaws. It has the largest database of all cat DNA tests and we found it highly accurate during the review process.

Question 39

Can a DNA test tell me if my cat is at risk for a genetic disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A cat DNA test can certainly identify your cat’s risk of genetic diseases. With a test like Basepaws, you get screening for over 40 risky conditions for cats.

Some tests even include carrier risk screening which identifies if your cat carries a genetic mutation for a disease that could be passed onto their litter, even if they never suffer from the condition themselves.

Remember that no DNA test can actually identify if your cat will develop a condition, though. It only indicates their risk level. Take your results to your cat’s veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss your next course of action.

Question 40

How do you do a cat DNA test?

Accepted Answer

Easy! Cat DNA tests typically come with cheek swabs, so you’re required to take a small sample of your cat’s cheek cells and saliva. These take no more than 30 seconds and you usually get two swabs in your kit.

Some other tests like 5strands require hair samples rather than saliva swabs due to the nature of testing, since they screen for allergies and intolerances rather than breed identification.

Question 41

How do you read an ethnicity estimate?

Accepted Answer

While DNA testing companies use complex algorithms to calculate your ethnicity estimate, reading your report is a straightforward process..

Most companies let you select an ethnicity and highlight where that region is on a map — in some cases, they also provide relevant information in a text box about your ancestral origins. In certain cases, you might submit multiple test kits with a single company, in which case you may be able to toggle between your different ethnicity estimates.

Question 42

What does an ethnicity estimate mean?

Accepted Answer

Not only can you take a DNA test to see what race you are, but you can also find out how much of your DNA comes from specific regions. The ethnicity estimate is the feature that makes this possible.

Part of what makes the process unique is that your results are always changing. As companies test more customers, your regional percentages can change as a result of improvements. Instead of your results coming to you listed out in a static report, it’s available on a dynamic webpage in your account that updates automatically. Plus, there are useful tools built in to the report that you can use to discover more about your ancestry.

Question 43

Which is the best ethnicity test: AncestryDNA, or 23andMe?

Accepted Answer

Each company’s ethnicity estimate is different because of their unique approaches towards calculating your results. There are particular regions a company can specialize in over others or features that no other service offers to help you with genealogy research. Deciding on a test is an important choice that largely depends on your ancestry and what you want out of an ethnicity estimate.

Our best overall ethnicity estimate pick is Ancestry for the way it presents your ethnicity estimate, the standards it uses to determine your results, and the affordable cost.

If you’re still not sure, why not read our comparison? We’ve looked at and compared each test in detail to help you make the right choice.

Question 44

How accurate is ethnic DNA testing?

Accepted Answer

The accuracy of your ancestry ethnicity estimate can vary between different companies. This largely depends on your ancestral background and the reference populations available.

A reference population represents a group of actual living individuals (from a single location) who’ve submitted ethnicity genetic tests to a company. Their results greatly impact the results in your ethnicity estimate, as companies compare your DNA to its reference populations. You should aim to test with companies (when possible) that cover reference populations most closely related to your known ancestry.

Question 45

Which DNA test kit offers the most detailed ancestry DNA test?

Accepted Answer

The amount of detail that a company’s ethnicity estimate can have may depend on your ancestral background. For example, if you have European or British ancestry, your results with Living DNA will likely contain more details considering that it has an extensive collection of European historical records. AncestryDNA has more reference populations[/affiliate-link] which might find you a more likely match.

Question 46

How do you do a cat breed DNA test?

Accepted Answer

Taking your cat’s DNA is really easy. Most cat breed DNA tests only require a simple cheek swab which takes less than 30 seconds to do. Usually, kits come with two swabs.

Question 47

How much is a cat breed DNA test?

Accepted Answer

The price of your kit varies, usually depending on what you want to find out, but most of the time they’re around $100.

Basepaws is the best cat breed DNA test and it costs $149, so it’s a bit more expensive than other options, but you do get lots of information for that price. And there are plenty of ways to save money through coupons and discounts, plus you can pay in installments.

Question 48

What does my cat breed DNA test report include?

Accepted Answer

That depends on what kit you buy. Most of the time, your report includes your cat’s breed type, their traits and characteristics, and other features like blood type.

With some tests like Basepaws, you get extra information such as how their DNA compares to wildcats. A lot of reports also include health risk screening, so they report on your cat’s risk of developing certain genetic diseases.

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