Getting a DNA test is a big moment in your life, so you want to make sure the service you choose is reputable. Whether you’re trying to establish family ties or just curious to find out where you really come from, a DNA test can change your life.

1. How does the test work?

There are different ways to carry out a DNA test. Some services may require you to give blood or spit into a container for lab analysis.

Other tests like CRI Genetics will have you obtain a sample by rubbing the test kit on your cheek or other exposed area of skin on your body.

However, these tests collect your DNA, you will generally send the results to a lab where they will be analyzed before you’re informed of the results.

2. Family ties

Taking a DNA test is a great way to discover family connections you may not have been aware of. If you’ve spent a lot of time looking for a lost parent or other relative, or you don’t know who they are, DNA testing may be able to match you with that person.

To get a clearer picture of your family’s ties, some DNA testing services recommend that you get tested together with several relatives. That way, experts can get a wider view of your family’s DNA and provide you with the most comprehensive assessment of potential relations.

3. Determining your ethnicity

DNA tests are often able to categorize you into an ethnic group, which can be helpful if you want to look into the heritage of your family. For instance, you may get information that links your forefathers to a particular geographic area, which might prove useful if you’re doing research about them.

Information about your ethnicity could also bring some surprises. You may find out you have connections with a part of the world or a culture that you never previously knew anything about.

4. Finding other people

Companies involving DNA testing may also have databases that allow you to locate people with similar DNA profiles. In addition, they may be able to offer official records, including birth certificates, death certificates, and other documents to help you piece together facts about your heritage.

This could prove particularly helpful if you’re trying to put together a family tree. Maybe you’ve done as much work as you can with the documents you have, or you might be struggling to find information about your heritage due to an absence of records.

5. Protecting privacy

Your DNA is unique and therefore very precious. Companies carrying out DNA testing place a lot of emphasis on keeping your personal information private and ensuring that it does not fall into the wrong hands.

Companies will often have access to more information than your DNA, for example if you’ve provided information about your relatives and even pictures of them. For this reason, security is always a high priority.

Results will be kept securely by the company and only shared with yourself. Company laboratories are generally accredited so you can be confident that the service you are using is reliable and of good quality.

6. Paying for your DNA test

Many providers of DNA testing services can be accessed online. You can learn more about the benefits of choosing each company by reading their website before paying for the test using a credit card or other form of payment at their online store.

Depending on how the company’s payment model works, you may be able to register your details for free before paying for a test kit once you’ve found out more about what the results can tell you. Alternatively, some companies may offer additional services for those willing to pay more, such as a more detailed analysis of your DNA results.