On the next page, I have set out a very brief description of the different types of DNA test used in genealogy.  For more technical information, you are advised to visit one of the following websites:

 

Family Tree DNA is the company we use for all our DNA tests.  There is plenty of information about the different types of test they offer on their website, and they also provide some YouTube videos about how their tests work.  

 

Maurice Gleeson is a genetic genealogist who has also produced a number of videos about different types of DNA tests ... you may find the following helpful (these were presentations at a Conference in Dublin in 2012 and the examples used relate to Irish research but are applicable to your ancestors in any country!) :

• Part 1: describes Brick Walls, how to take a DNA test, the 3 main types of DNA test, the Y-DNA test, my own Y-DNA test results

• Part 2: describes specific examples of Y-DNA testing: Thomas Jefferson

• Part 3: describes the mitochondrial DNA test & a specific example: Anastasia

• Part 4: describes the autosomal DNA test, how to deal with your matches, the Mystery of the Wedding Memento, Summary, Limitations, Links & Resources

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The International Society of Genetic Genealogy has an extensive website with very detailed information about all aspects of DNA testing for genealogical purposes.  Start off with their NEWBIES section and refer to their Wiki for a glossary of all the terms you are likely to come across.

 

I have found the following two books helpful:

• DNA and Genealogy  - Colleen Fitzpatrick & Andrew Yeiser (Rice BookPress, Caifornia 2005) for yDNA and mtDNA tests

• DNA and Social Networking - Debbie Kennett (History Press, Gloucestershire 2011) for autosomal tests

 

And these Blogs provide up-to-the-minute news of the latest developments:

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• Emily Aulicino ... Genealem-genetic genealogy

• Blaine Bettinger ... the Genetic Genealogist

• CeCe Moore ... your Genetic Genealogist