DNA Testing Solutions
We complete traditional genealogy research in conjunction with DNA research, utilizing genetic inheritance patterns for different types of DNA to better estimate the relationship between multiple related individuals.
Information provided through DNA testing allows us to use DNA as a means of learning more about family history and interpreting results in the context of pertinent historical records.
By analyzing DNA we are able to gather information regarding individuals’ shared heritage. In many cases DNA testing has helped clients break through genealogy brick walls including difficult-to-trace ancestors, determining an ancestor’s ethnicity and solving family mysteries that would otherwise be impossible to investigate due to lack of records.
There are currently three DNA tests used for genealogy purposes:
* Y-DNA Testing - Y-DNA looks at the Y-chromosome, which is inherited father to son, and so can only be taken by males to explore their direct paternal line.
* mtDNA (mitochondrial) Testing - mtDNA looks at the mitochondria, which is inherited from mother to child and so can be used to explore one's direct maternal line.
* atDNA (Autosomal) DNA Testing - Autosomal tests look at chromosomes 1–22 and X. The autosomes (chromosomes 1–22) are inherited from both parents and all recent ancestors. The X-chromosome (the sex gene) follows a special inheritance pattern. Ethnicity estimates are often included with this sort of testing.
Chromosome Mapping
Chromosome mapping is a technique used with the results of multiple autosomal DNA tests of family members which helps to determine which segments of DNA came from which ancestor. In order to map DNA segments on specific chromosomes it is necessary to test a number of close family relatives. We help coordinate these tests with you and perform the mapping to help create a specific graphic and/or numeric representation of the chromosome origin.
Genetic Kinship
We provide consulting services to individuals that have received their Y chromosome (Y-DNA), mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA), or autosomal DNA results for genealogical purposes. We can assist you in understanding the DNA test results you have received, or provide recommendations for additional testing. Our goal is to review all the resources available and return to you a detailed summary focusing on helping tie your results to your family history and/or connecting your results to a specific match for a kinship relationship. We can assist you in knocking down family history brick walls by consulting with you about which family member(s) should be tested, what test to purchase, where to purchase it, review the results, and build a genetic family history proof case with the test results.