You may be working on a family tree as a hobby. You may not know much at all about your ancestral background and want to learn more out of curiosity. Whatever your reason is to learn more about your origins, the good news is DNA tests that have historically been expensive are now available and affordable. Below are reasons to consider purchasing an ancestry DNA test.

1. Find relatives

Many people around the world have purchased an ancestry DNA test because they have made it their hobby to put together their family free. Others have done so because they do not know much about their family or think they do not have any family members at all. In these instances, ancestry DNA test have indeed been helpful for these people.

Ancestry DNA tests compose profiles based on the DNA sample given. If inclined, people who take the test can opt to have their own results posted online. Therefore, once you receive your profile, you can match it to others posted online. In doing so, you can track your bloodline back hundreds of years and even locate relatives that are still alive.

2. Determine location of origin

You may think that because you have resided in one area since you were born that you must have originated from that location. Conversely, you may have heard your parent or grandparent talking about the “old country” and wish to learn more.

Ancestry DNA tests are beneficial because they are able to estimate which regions your family originated from based on your results. This is achieved by comparing your results to others and coming up with regions your ancestors came from. For example, if you share DNA with many others who originated from Ireland, the likelihood that your family came from this country are good. 

3. Health reasons

Your health is extremely important to you. Therefore, if you could take steps to determine your susceptibility to genetic diseases, you would most likely do it. This is where ancestry DNA tests are helpful.

Studying your family tree through the results of ancestry DNA tests allows you to trace medical conditions through your family. That way, you can either become better prepared to face it or if possible take steps to prevent it. If you are an adopted child and wish to locate your birth parents, ancestry DNA tests can help you do this. By matching your profile to biological relatives, you can then be connected to your birth parents.

4. Affordable

As mentioned, people have historically been unable to get DNA tests done because of how expensive they are. However, nowadays more people are able to purchase and take them due to their availability online and how affordable they have become.

Ancestry DNA tests are available online for anywhere from $99 to $200 depending on the company. This is definitely a small price to pay in order to fill in the gaps of your family tree or locate relatives you did not even know you had.

5. Easy

Many people shy away from DNA tests because they think it is too complicated or they will error in providing a sample and this will influence the results. However, the truth is, ancestry DNA tests are extremely easy.

In order for you to order your test, all you need to do is order online from a reputable company and it arrives at your door. To take the test, you swab the inside of your mouth, seal the sample, and send back to the company. After 6 to 8 weeks you receive your full profile and you can proceed to finish your family tree or make attempts to locate family members.