There are many misconceptions floating around about DNA testing. To help you understand the subject more before your own ancestry DNA test, here are some common misconceptions debunked.
1. DNA Tests Are for Men Only
While it’s true that certain DNA tests are specially designed for men only (the Y-DNA tests), there are various kinds of DNA testing available for both genders. The reason why the Y-DNA test is only available for men is that it tests the Y-chromosome, which the father passes down to his son. If a biological woman wants to get more information about her paternal side, there are ways to go about it. Look for a male brother or cousin to perform the DNA tests on your behalf.
Fortunately, there is also the mtDNA test that is available for both genders. Both men and women inherit mitochondrial DNA through their maternal ancestry.
2. Your Information Will Be Shared
One of the reasons why most people hesitate to perform DNA testing is the risk of having their information shared or, worse, stolen by hackers. Any reputable company performing DNA testing is required by law to keep your information safe and confidential. So, if you’re worried about employers, health insurance companies, or anyone else accessing your DNA testing results, don’t worry. There are laws that prohibit the use of DNA testing results when it comes to employment and insurance coverage decisions.
3. DNA Testing Requires a Blood Sample
Many people dread DNA tests because of the needles involved. Gone are the days when blood needs to be drawn to get your DNA testing result. Technology has come a long way. Today, all that’s required is a saliva swab from your cheek. This process takes about 30 – 60 seconds to complete. Once the saliva has been extracted, they send it to a lab for testing. That’s it.
4. Your Genetic Ethnicity Estimate Will Match Your Known Genealogy
You may be wondering why your ethnicity estimate is not the same as the ethnicities of the ancestors in your family tree. The truth is there are many reasons for that. If you’ve inherited an ethnicity from a long history of generations, odds are you may have inherited a small amount, which makes it difficult to detect the ethnicities of your ancestry line.
Sometimes, ethnicities are passed down from ancestors you know nothing about. In addition to that, there are biological limitations to DNA testing. For instance, some matches may be due to proximity in geographical location. In some cases, it might be a result of migration patterns that lead to mixing of what were previously isolated gene pools.
5. Getting Results Takes Longer Than Expected
There’s no denying the fact that DNA testing gives you access to cutting-edge science. However, one common misconception about this procedure is that you have to wait a long time for the results. But that’s not the case; you will get the results within a few days of sending your sample to the lab.
Take advantage of this cutting-edge science and get a clear picture of your ancestry tree.