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AncestryDNA Review
Whether you're looking to find a long-lost relative or just learn about your family's past, AncestryDNA could meet your needs.
Guides
AncestryDNA, one of the many DNA testing kits available in Australia, is best known for its huge gene pool that could link you up with your ancestors and unlock some fascinating stories about the past.
Use this guide to learn about the key features and costs of an AncestryDNA kit, to help you decide if it may be the right DNA kit for you.
What exactly is DNA testing?
DNA testing is a medical test that examines your genetic traits, by looking at various 'functions' in your genetic code, to help you learn more about yourself. Broadly, a test result could provide you with two different types of insights:
- Findings related to your family lineage. This means learning more about your family history or even discovering distant relatives.
- New information about yourself. DNA tests could help you learn about your ethnic composition, medical history or even medical risks you might be susceptible to in the future.
Where can I access a DNA kit?
With the rise of technology, DNA testing is no longer available only at hospitals or specialist clinics. Today, it's easy to order a DNA testing kit online. All you need to do is compare a range of DNA testing kits, pick your favourite one and purchase it online.
Once your DNA kit arrives, you'll often be instructed to swab your cheek or collect a saliva sample in a test tube. You'll then ship this test tube back to the DNA testing company, and receive your results in around two to twelve weeks.
About AncestryDNA
AncestryDNA is part of Ancestry (Ancestry.com), a major US-based genealogy company that was one of the first organisations to digitise family history. In 2012, Ancestry expanded its offerings by providing its AncestryDNA test, which became available in Australia in 2015.
What features are there with an AncestryDNA kit?
AncestryDNA analyses your DNA and integrates that data with your family tree. Here's what you can expect with an Ancestry DNA kit.
- Analysis drawn from a wide gene pool. AncestryDNA taps into more than 18 million DNA tests with population data from over 1,000 regions globally. If you want a more comprehensive analysis, AncestryDNA offers a slightly pricier version of its standard kit. This kit examines 18 of your inherited traits and links each of these attributes to your past relatives.
- Intuitive results. AncestryDNA uses well-presented analytics in the form of a written report, with visuals like pie charts. You'll have the option of using discovered DNA matches to craft a family tree. You may also view a map of where your ancestors lived, among other features.
- Ongoing updates. AncestryDNA updates your results based on new research, additional reference samples and better tools.
- Opportunities to reach out to relatives. You can tap on AncestryDNA's network of over 15 million members to reach out to your potential relatives.
- Waiting time. Typically, results take six to eight weeks to arrive via email.
AncestryDNA pricing
AncesstryDNA kits may cost around $129. Shipping costs of around $30 apply. Transaction fees may also apply. Be aware that your payment will be processed in the United States.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Offers the largest pool of data to help you find potential relatives
- A huge network of members to help you reach out to newfound family members
Cons
- Does not offer any health-related information, or deep ancestral data
- Reviews cite that East Asian pool of data may be quite limited
Choosing DNA testing kits
Is AncestryDNA the right testing kit for you? Consider the factors below.
- Cost. What are you willing to pay for a DNA test?
- Features. Why do you want to take a DNA test? Are AncestryDNA's features geared towards helping you find the answers you need?
- Analysis. What level of detail would you like in your analysis? How would you like it to be presented?
- Speed. How quickly do you need your test results?
Bottom line
AncestryDNA taps on a huge gene pool to link you up with distant relatives. It offers a straightforward testing process, with intuitive analysis and plenty of tools for you to reach out to your newfound relatives. If your primary reason for taking a DNA test is to find distant family members and connect with their stories, AncestryDNA might just have the right testing kit for you.
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