Ancestry.com and other DNA test kits

gellen · ‎03-14-2010

Has anyone ever tried any of these kits? Based on what you alread knew; did you find them accurate at all? Can you recommend any particular website? there are lots out there now for this sort of thing. I thought it might be a fun gift for a friend for whom impossible to find a nice gift Thanks. Gail

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I used Ancestry. I'm part Asian and I don't recommend them if you are looking for Asian background differentiation. Not sure if any of the other DNA kits do, however.

World Traveler · ‎02-02-2015

@gellen Yes!

I tried three different ones, just to check for accuracy: Ancestry.com (because it seems to be the most common to choose), National Geographic (based on its reputation on research), and 23andMe (because it offers health information, if you pay for that part of it in addition to the DNA).

They basically agreed (probably use the same lab to test DNA); however, what I liked about 23andMe and the health information was that there were things it said that very few people know about me. And even though it uses the word "probably" a lot, it was always accurate when it gave me information about my "probable" hair color, my "probable" eye color, etc. That was interesting to me because my sister has totally different natural hair color, polar opposites on the color spectrum. And many more things I found useful and shared with my doctor.

If you only want to do one and can afford it, I recommend 23andMe.

I have given Ancestry.com as a gift at Christmas and the recipient was so, so very thankful. The person is African American and found it interesting that their DNA takes them back to Nigeria specifically, not just Africa. They are reading up on that country now and just loves learning about their ancestry.

Tuppermore · ‎03-20-2010

I am 65 and adopted. Back in 1953, all adoptions were closed. I really didn't care. I'm happy, have 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and a great husband that I have been married to for 46 years. However, my children had a burning desire to know. I received an Ancestry. com kit and a 23 & Me kit for Christmas. I received the results about a week ago. They were pretty much the same. The only differences went back about 6 generations. The people groups were slightly vague, but the areas of the world were similar.

23 & Me provided a great deal of health information which I did appreciate. I have no risk factors based on my DNA. The information regarding lifestyle choices that affect health based on my DNA were quite accurate. I drink more caffeine than I should, I carry more weight, and I do not sleep deeply. My husband and I had a good laugh about those characteristics. They fit me to a tee. I hope this is helpful.

Dominosmom · ‎07-17-2010

Hubby got 23&me for Christmas. Waiting on results. Takes about 6 weeks.This should be fun.

dragonflyveb · ‎04-05-2014

I tested with Ancestry DNA and 23 and me. I thought I was strictly Northern European, but it turned out I have some English mixed in. That explains my fondness for scones! I haven't gotten my 23 and me back yet. I did the health along with the ancestry testing.

if you Google "best DNA tests," there are articles that compare the companies. It depends on what you are looking for.

Just a tip, you can get some of the kits from Amazon, and you don't have to pay the $10 shipping if you order direct from the companies.

Dragonfly

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

My husband used National Geographic. He was so disappointed with the results. They were quite general. In fact he took the results to our annual family reunion. Everyone that read it laughed and said, this could be just about anyone.

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

No. I don't have much trust in for profit companies and genetic screeing. I'd do it if it cost $40, for the fun of it. I know my family history on both sides, going back to the 1700's so the curiosity factor isn't there for me.