**Please note that this post is a ‘work in progress’ and is continuously being updated. We decided it would be better to share something about interpreting DNA results, rather than nothing**
The most important thing when looking at DNA results is the centiMorgan (cM). This is a measurement that shows how much you are genetically related to someone. It is possible to work out who your biological parent is from a 3rd cousin with 103 cM.
However, note that the unit of measurement cM isn’t a measure of quantity. It’s based on a metric which can be very different between the DNA sites, depending on the algorithm that particular DNA site uses and the quality and size of the samples as well as the markers included in the sample. (John M)
The BIGGEST clarification a lot of people need (with Ancestry), is that “Close Family – 1st Cousin” does not necessarily mean 1st cousin. An explanation of cM and how to interpret the numbers using a chart like this will be really helpful: https://dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4 (John C)
Ancestry DNA has the largest UK database. Prices for Ancestry DNA vary through the year and there are usually Christmas, New Year, Fathers Day Mothers Day, Black Friday sales. You do not need to have a membership to Ancestry DNA, you can do your DNA test only but it is good to have membership at the beginning of your search as you will be able to access all public records (births, marriages, deaths etc.) and it will be much easier to be able piece together family trees.
Searching via DNA Testing is a numbers game, so the more global databases you are on the more chances of a match you have. You can upload your Ancestry DNA file to most other commercial DNA testing sites for free apart from 23&Me which you’ll have to pay for again. However, take your time though, it’s a lot to process!
If you have concerns about how your DNA will be used in the future, it is possible to delete your DNA account.
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