If you’ve ever been curious about your ethnic background or wanted to connect with long-lost relatives, chances are you’ve come across the AncestryDNA Kit during your exploration.

With the most extensive family-matching database available, AncestryDNA offers one of the top at-home DNA testing kits on the market. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AncestryDNA kit – how it works, what to expect and how to make the most of your results. Let’s dive in.

• Should You Get an Ancestry DNA Test
• How to Choose Ancestry DNA Kit
• How to Use Ancestry DNA Kit
• What to Expect from Your Ancestry DNA Test Results

Should You Get an Ancestry DNA Test

The decision to choose AncestryDNA or another DNA testing service depends on what information you’re looking for and your budget.

For genealogical research, AncestryDNA, FamilyTree DNA, 23andMe and MyHeritage are well-known and reliable companies to start with. If you live in North America, we’d recommend AncestryDNA due to its vast user base in the US and Canada, offering a higher chance of finding potential matches.

For those of Jewish ancestry or those outside North America, 23andMe might be a better option. If you’re of European descent, then MyHeritage might offer better results since it has more European testers in its database.

If you’re a serious genealogist and you want a more detailed exploration of the past, you may prefer FamilyTree DNA, which offers a comprehensive approach. It provides in-depth Y-DNA and mtDNA kits as well as normal autosomal tests, while AncestryDNA is limited to autosomal analysis and can’t independently trace maternal and paternal heritage.

Price is another factor to consider. Basic ancestry tests, including the AncestryDNA kit, are usually priced around $100. If affordability is a priority for you, consider the MyHeritage DNA kit, which typically costs $89 but can drop to as low as $39 during sales.

How to Choose Ancestry DNA Kit

AncestryDNA offers three distinct package options catering to different needs. These packages can be conveniently ordered from the Ancestry website or app, compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

• The basic AncestryDNA package ($99): Offers Origins & Ethnicity reports and DNA Matches.
• The AncestryDNA + World Explorer Membership Package ($100): Includes Origins + Ethnicity reports, DNA Matches, and a World Explorer membership, granting access to all U.S. and international records on Ancestry.
• The AncestryDNA Traits +All Access Membership Package ($199): Provides Origins + Ethnicity reports, DNA Matches, reports on over 40 genetic traits, and a 3-month membership for accessing all Ancestry records.

If your main goal is genealogy and family tree research, the AncestryDNA + World Explorer Membership Package should be sufficient for you. However, if you’re curious about fun genetic traits like caffeine tolerance, muscle fatigue, or alcohol flush reaction, the third package is worth considering.

How to Use Ancestry DNA Kit

The process for using the AncestryDNA test kit is quite straightforward.

Upon receiving your AncestryDNA kit, the first thing you have to do is activate your DNA kit on the AncestryDNA website. You’ll need to create an account or associate the kit with the account of a family member or friend. Then enter the 15-digit activation code from the collection tube to link your test results to the account.

Collect your saliva sample by spitting it into the tube until it reaches the marked line. Note that the most important thing to remember is that you should not eat or drink for 30 minutes before you take the test.

Once you’ve collected the sample, close the lid and it will release a stabilizing liquid. Make sure you shake the tube for a few seconds before sending it back to AncestryDNA. AncestryDNA provides a prepaid return mailer so you can ship your sample to the testing lab at no additional cost.

The final part is to submit your sample and wait for your results to be available online. Most sample processing takes six to 8 weeks.

What to Expect from Your Ancestry DNA Test Results

Once the test is complete, Ancestry DNA will provide you with a thorough report. This report will present an overview of your ethnicity estimates, as well as potential relatives who have also taken the DNA test through the company.

Ethnicity Estimate

Your DNA is analyzed and compared with reference populations worldwide. The results are displayed in a pie chart, showing the percentage of your ancestry from different regions. You can also explore migration patterns of your ancestors over time.

AncestryDNA Matches

AncestryDNA will compare your DNA with their extensive database. It will identify users with similar genetic profiles along with an estimate of how closely you may be related.

With the largest user database among DNA companies, AncestryDNA provides access to millions of records, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to discover unknown relatives or biological parents.

Ancestry Family Tree

You can start building your family tree with AncestryDNA with its easy-to-use interface. You can view the usernames and profile photos of your potential matches for free.

If you wish to access their contact information, family trees, and AncestryDNA’s database of historical records, you’ll need to purchase a membership, which costs around $25 a month. This allows you to sift through your matches and their family trees to build yours.

Final Thoughts

If you live in North America and want to explore your ancestry, AncestryDNA is a fantastic place to start due to its massive database. It increases your chances of finding genetic relatives and uncovering details about your heritage.

Before taking the test, be aware that surprises are possible. Some people discover unknown family connections, including hidden adoptions or half-siblings. While these cases aren’t common, they do happen, so it’s good to be prepared for unexpected results.