Choosing a Testing CompanyThere are several companies that offer Genetic DNA tests - all reputable and very good at what they do. Overall, you can use any of these companies. Of these, we recommend the following:
We also STRONGLY recommend testing with all three (3) companies (combined) above and uploading results to GEDMatch (it's free to join - try it!) for additional matches.
For the most up to date information on testing companies, please visit the ISOGG wiki comparison chart located here.
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Taking the TestOrder a test kit (or kits) from your selected company (or companies, as we recommend). In the U.S., the kit will usually arrive within a week. Once you get the kit, it will have specific instructions. Some kits require you to spit into a tube, while others are based on swabbing the inside of your gums or cheeks to capture cells. Some companies will send you two sample kits, one for redundancy - make sure to complete both kits just in case. Once completed, return the kit(s) in the pre-paid envelope (or box). Lastly, the company will extract the DNA fom your sample(s) and performs analysis to produce match results and a raw DNA file.
Receiving ResultsOnce your results are ready, the company will notify you by email and/or text message. You can then login to the company's website and see your results. Now, you can browse online trees of the matches to try and locate most recent common ancestor(s) - or MRCA(s) - that could potentially show you how you are related to a person.
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