Genetic genealogy is the science of using an individual’s raw DNA data and genealogical research to solve parentage questions, find unknown family members, and fill in blanks on a person’s family tree.

Yes! We recommend starting with the DNA kit from Ancestry. They have the largest database of individuals who have tested their DNA. If there aren’t close enough matches in Ancestry, we recommend doing 23andme as a next step.

The strength of the relationship matters in terms of solvability. A case with immediate family member matches could be solved within three hours while more complicated cases with matches at a second or third cousin level may need 50-200 hours or more of research. A second cousin match is the sweet spot.

Yes, DNA Genealogy builds your family tree as they do their research.

We respect your privacy. If you prefer, we can make your DNA results anonymous, opt-out of matches after notating, as well as hide your family tree.

DNA Genealogy is here to serve you. The decision to contact your biological family is yours alone.

Investigative genetic genealogy is a sub-category of genetic genealogy that utilizes the same methodology to generate potential suspect leads for law enforcement who are investigating crimes and to identify unknown human remains.

Yes, at least 50,000 SNPs are needed. A partial sample may limit the quality and closeness of the matches we receive.  

There are labs that specialize in analysis of rootless hair, trace, and degraded DNA. They may be able to generate a more comprehensive genetic profile. Reach out to us for information on available labs.

Even if there aren’t high enough DNA matches to solve a case now, databases are updated every day and a future match could make the case solvable.

Some states are beginning to implement new laws for investigative genetic genealogy practitioners. An accreditation board is currently developing an exam for board certification with anticipated availability in 2024. At DNA Genealogy we currently follow the Department of Justice’s guidelines.

Though this may change in the near future, currently, investigative genetic genealogy methods are generally not relevant in an actual trial as it is considered an investigative lead only. Any leads generated must be confirmed with an STR DNA test that can be compared to the CODIS profile. DNA brought into court is obtained directly from the crime scene and the accused defendant. Investigative genetic genealogy research is important in identifying investigative leads only and is not typically presented in court.

The DoJ and SWGDAM (the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods) recommend a ‘CODIS first’ approach in investigative practice. The DoJ policy states: “before an investigative agency may attempt to use genetic genealogy, the forensic profile derived from the candidate’s forensic sample must have been uploaded to CODIS, and subsequent CODIS searches must have failed to produce a confirmed match”. They then emphasize that a CODIS search must complete the investigation, stating: “a suspect shall not be arrested based solely on a genetic association generated by a genealogical service. If a suspect is identified after a genetic association has occurred, STR-DNA typing must be performed and the suspect’s STR profile must be directly compared to the forensic profile previously uploaded to CODIS”.

Yes, you must have a SNP profile and raw DNA file must be formatted as tab-delimited text or comma separated value files. These files should contain 4 to 5 columns: rsID, chromosome, position, allele1, allele2. The alleles can be concatenated into a single column (AA, TA, GC, etc). The file should be sorted by chromosome and then by position. It can be optionally compressed into a .gz or .zip format.