DNA testing?

There are several different DNA tests out there looking for different things, and costing different prices. I've forgotten the different names of the tests, it takes some study LOL And the tests are different for males and females. I had the paternity test done with my dad. Then I did one from Ancestry.com a while ago. I noticed Ancestry is offering a new test for $99. Which I will get soon! (was supposed to order it on Mother's Day, sort of forgot!) I've read that a lot of people are doing it now since the prices have gone down. The more people the better it works. One thing I have found out. When I combined my Ancestry.com family tree and the DNA test, it was pretty cool. I've been in touch with all kinds of relatives - and we are 99.9% sure we are genetic relatives. The program matches you with your relatives, so it's possible to find out who your father or your fathers ancestors are... if they are part of the DNA test study thing. Sometimes it only takes one other related person to participate, then you look at their family tree and can see others, others that may not have taken the DNA test. It has been very interesting for us. Tons of cousins, etc. to ask about family and medical histories. It's entirely possible that this test could give you a name for whatever relative you might be seeking. I have heard about some medical DNA testing, and have also heard that you have to be careful due to doctors sharing it when requesting coverage for testing - insurance companies obtaining this info. Say if you find you have the gene for some type of hereditary cancer, you insurance comapny may not want to keep you so much anymore, or may decide not to cover that pre-existing possible condition. I'm pretty sure they don't have a test that will find everything, the test looks for one particular gene, I think. Something like that;) I'm too lazy to read about it more.

bethVA62: did you use the 23andme test?

i have a friend who tested her daughter with DNAtribes.com

If you are looking for heritage information, you need to get SNPs testing done. (pronounced "snips"). The technology is there to give you a pretty nice breakdown of different aspects of heritage and ancestry. For someone that doesn't know anything, I think it would be valuable information. as for a reliable company... do you have one in mind? A general DNA testing primer.... Mito tests the mitochondrial DNA that is directly inherited from the mother. This type of testing is useful in degraded samples or ancient samples and can trace the lineage of a maternal line. Y-STR testing tests certain sites on the Y chromosome that is directly inherited from the dad. Useful for paternal lineage. SNPs are used for many different types of applications, but are useful for heritage. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the feedback.I was looking at 23andme as one possibility, but hadn't chosen a company for certain yet. I'll look into ancestry.com's test, as well as DNAtribes.com, since those were mentioned above.Y-STR testing wouldn't do me any good, as I'm a woman. Only X's here. :) But it's good to know that that's offered, as my husband (not an adoptee, but unsure of his own roots nonetheless) was considering testing as well.I'll speak to my doctor about medical/insurance ramifications. I hadn't thought of that...Again, thanks :)

The standard cost for buccal swab testing is $149 for a individual, $249 for two people ( this is typically all you need, Alleged father & Child), $349 for three people, such as mother, child, and alleged father, and $100 for each additional person (includes specimen collection). [url=http://www.hivandstdtesting.com/DNA+Paternity+Testing.html]DNA Testing | Paternity Testing[/url] We contract with a network of labs for convenient specimen collection. Upon receipt of the necessary forms and payment information, we will identify the specimen collection labs closest to the persons being tested, schedule appointments for specimen collection, and notify those persons of the dates, times, and locations of their tests via telephone or fax.