Take a DNA Test

The DNA test analyzes DNA information from two or more individuals' chromosomes to determine the genetic relationship, and thus the blood relationship. Consumer-level DNA testing has grown in popularity in recent years, with reasons ranging from health concerns to inheritance issues and parenting disputes. A sample of the person's blood, skin, amniotic fluid, or other tissue will be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis, depending on the type of test. Typically, DNA test kits allow you to collect a small DNA sample with a swab or saliva collection vial and send it to a lab for analysis. Most kits are less than $100 and provide a variety of genetic information.

Many tests provide information about the ethnicity of your ancestors, which you can use to inform your family history search. You may also receive information about the likely migration paths of both sides of your family. Some platforms even enable you to search for unknown relatives who have taken a similar DNA test.