Ancestry DNA Kit: How to Choose & What to Expect
If you’re curious about your ethnic origins or want to connect with unknown relatives, chances are you’ve come across the AncestryDNA Kit during your exploration.
With the most extensive family-matching database available, AncestryDNA offers one of the premier at-home DNA testing kits on the market. In this article, we’ll delve into the AncestryDNA kit, exploring its usage, benefits, and the insights they can reveal about your ancestry. Let’s dive in.
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Should I Get Ancestry DNA Test
The decision to choose AncestryDNA or another DNA testing service depends on what information you want to find out and your budget.
For genealogical purposes, AncestryDNA, FamilyTree DNA, 23andMe and MyHeritage are well-known and reliable companies to start with. If you live in North America, we’d recommend AncestryDNA due to its vast user base in the US and Canada, offering a higher chance of finding potential matches.
For those of Jewish descent or residing outside North America, 23andMe might be a more suitable option. If you’re European, then MyHeritage might offer better results since it has more European testers in their database.
If you’re a serious genealogist and you want a more detailed exploration of the past, FamilyTree DNA offers a comprehensive approach. It provides in-depth Y-DNA and mtDNA kits as well as the normal autosomal tests, while AncestryDNA is limited to autosomal analysis and can’t independently trace maternal and paternal heritage.
Additionally, you might also want to compare the cost of major DNA test kits services. Basic ancestry tests, including the AncestryDNA kit, are usually priced around $100. If affordability is a priority for you, consider the MyHeritage DNA kit, which typically costs $89 but can drop to as low as $39 during sales.
How to Choose Ancestry DNA Kit
AncestryDNA offers three distinct package options catering for different needs. These packages can be conveniently ordered from the Ancestry website or app, compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
- The basic AncestryDNA package ($99): Offers Origins & Ethnicity reports and DNA Matches.
- The AncestryDNA + Family Tree Package ($100): Includes Origins + Ethnicity reports, DNA Matches, and a World Explorer membership, granting access to all U.S. and international records on Ancestry.
- The AncestryDNA Traits +All Access Package ($199): Provides Origins + Ethnicity reports, DNA Matches, reports on over 40 genetic traits, and a 3-month membership for accessing all Ancestry records.
The AncestryDNA + Family Tree Package should be sufficient for anyone wanting to research your ancestry and build your family tree.
If you want to learn some fun information on what your DNA says about you, you can opt for the third package and get the add-on AncestryDNA Traits feature. This tests 42 traits, including alcohol flush, birth weight, caffeine consumption, cleft chin, muscle fatigue, and more.
How to Use Ancestry DNA Kit
The process for using the AncestryDNA test kit is quite straightforward. Upon receiving your AncestryDNA kit, the first thing you have to do is activate your DNA kit on the AncestryDNA website. You’ll need to create an account or associate the kit with the account of a family member or friend. Then enter the 15-digit activation code from the collection tube to link your test results to the account.
Collect your saliva sample by spitting it into the tube until it reaches the marked line. Note that the most important thing to remember is that you should not eat or drink for 30 minutes before you take the test.
Once you’ve collected the sample, close the lid and it will release a stabilizing liquid. Make sure you shake the tube for a few seconds before sending it back to AncestryDNA. AncestryDNA provides a prepaid return mailer so you can ship your sample to the testing lab at no additional cost.
The final part is to submit your sample and wait for your results to be available online. Most sample processing takes six to 8 weeks.
What to Expect from Your Ancestry DNA Test Results
Once the test is complete, Ancestry DNA will provide you with a thorough report. This report will present an overview of your ethnicity estimates, as well as potential relatives who have also taken the DNA test through the company.
Ethnicity Estimate
AncestryDNA’s core focus is your ancestry. The detailed ethnicity report, presented in a pie chart, estimates the portion of your DNA associated with different geographical regions. This allows you to unveil your ancestral origins and track their migration paths.
AncestryDNA Matches
AncestryDNA will compare your DNA with their extensive database. It will identify users with similar genetic profiles along with an estimate of how closely you may be related.
With the largest user database among DNA companies, AncestryDNA provides access to millions of records, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to discover unknown relatives or biological parents.
Ancestry Family Tree
You can start building your family tree with AncestryDNA with its super easy to use interface. You can view the usernames and profile photos of your potential matches for free.
If you wish to access their contact information, family trees, and AncestryDNA’s database of historical records, you’ll need to purchase a membership, which costs around $25 a month. This allows you to sift through your matches and their family trees to build yours.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to learn something about your genealogy and you live in North America, Ancestry is the best place to start because of their large database. The service has the largest database available hence can increase your odds of finding possible matches.
Last but not least, be prepared for potential surprises before doing the test. There are many cases about people discover hidden adoptions or secret half-siblings. While these are not quite common, they do happen.
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