Ever since I first started hearing about DNA testing for genealogy purposes, I have wanted to get my DNA tested. I’ve been researching my family’s genealogy for decades, and I’ve written several popular blog posts about genealogy.
I was ecstatic when my husband surprised me with an Ancestry DNA test as a surprise gift. You won’t believe how quick and easy it is to find out about your genetic genealogy history through Ancestry.com’s DNA service. Here’s how to get your genealogy DNA testing, just like the famous people on genealogy TV shows.
This post may contain affiliate links; please read my disclosure here.
Order Your Kit
First, use this special link to get 10 percent off your Ancestry DNA kit.
You’ll need to have at least a free basic Ancestry.com account to get your results later, so go ahead and sign up now if you don’t have an account already.
Activate Your Kit
Once you receive the kit from Ancestry.com, follow the enclosed instructions for activating the kit online.
You’ll need the activation code from the collection tube included in the kit. It’s how Ancestry.com identifies your sample so you can get your results later.
Provide your DNA Sample
Important: Do not eat, smoke, drink liquids or chew gum or tobacco for 30 minutes before spitting in the tube.
You’ll need to spit into the tube enough times to fill the tube with saliva (not just bubbles) until it’s at or just above the wavy line. That’s less than 1/4 teaspoon, and it’s all you need – don’t overfill the tube.
Remove the funnel from the tube with your saliva in it and screw on the cap tightly. It needs to release a solution that’ll preserve your saliva for testing.
You’ll know it’s working when blue solution from the cap has emptied into the tube with your saliva.
Then, shake the tube for at least 5 seconds to mix your saliva thoroughly with the stabilizing solution.
Place the tube in the included collection bag and seal it with the provided adhesive strip.
You’re on your way to finding out where your long-dead ancestors came from!
Send Your Ancestry DNA Sample for Testing
Put the sealed bag in the prepaid mailing box, seal the box with another adhesive strip and place it in the mail.
After you mail your sample for testing, it can take several weeks to get back your results. Ancestry.com will send you an email when your results are in, with a link that takes you directly to your genetic ancestry information.
I recommend that you click on See Full Ethnicity Estimate for a complete picture of your genetic background.
If you have a paid Ancestry.com account, you can click on another link to view other Ancestry.com members who are your genetic cousins. However, the genetic genealogy information is fascinating even if you don’t pay extra for an Ancestry.com.
You’ll see a pie chart and explanation of your genetic genealogy, including the various percentages of what countries and regions combine to create your own personal genetic makeup.
How About You?
Have you considered having a DNA test run to find out your ethnic ancestry? Or have you already done so? What were the results?
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