DNA tests I have done and why

 

In 2011, as part of treatment for breast cancer, I had genetic testing done to discover whether I had the BRCA mutation. This was done with a blood test. This was, I suppose, my very first DNA test. (No BRCA gene detected)

In 2018 I took my first autosomal DNA test which was with Ancestry DNA as they had become a lot more affordable. I was inspired by the short Ancestry doco about testing and how it made the world a more accepting place as we find out that we are made up of so many nationalities. 

Ancestry DNA - short clip (5 mins) worth watching!

I did have a goal in mind though, ultimately to find relatives on my Mum’s Aboriginal line that I had just proven through paper research. I also got my Dad to test which helped differentiate between Mum’s side and Dad’s as Mum passed away over 30 years ago.  I also tested my brother and all of my children, and eventually my Mum’s sister, and my cousin, plus various other cousins on the indigenous line. Some are half cousins which is great as I can filter my matches even further. 

I downloaded AncestryDNA tests with permission and uploaded to all the different matching companies that allow uploads including FTDNA, Family Heritage and GEDmatch which so far hasn’t proved useful, as I just don’t know enough to use it to its full potential. I did manage to create what they call a Lazarus kit, for my Mum though. It is a combination of my DNA, my brothers, my Aunts, minus my Dad’s to come up with an approximation of Mum’s DNA. I have also looked at x-match data in GEDmatch.

After attending a weekend conference, “Lost in DNA” I also decided to test with 23&me as they use a chromosome map to map the various nationalities in your DNA. I figured this would help me if I could determine what chromosome my indigenous DNA was on and where others others matched. 23&me is a nuisance to send back though as it has to be returned to a specific courier etc. and it has a limited database so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a logical reason to do so. (Update: 2024 - Ancestry now has a chromosome map as well).

Then I spent quite a bit on an mtDNA test. For most people this is not useful as it is only relevant to direct maternal line, but great for me as my indigenous line goes straight back up my motherline. I have only 2 matches and they aren’t at all close. Interestingly for me it has again validated my research because the DNA haplogroup I have is quite specific. I might wait forever for a close enough match to be of any help genealogically speaking. The matches I do have both have most recent ancestors from the same area near Walgett which is interesting though, showing I suppose that they didn’t move too far off country.

I also had my Dad do a Y DNA test, just so that I have it. It has been pretty useless so far but who knows how I might be able to use it later.

Finally, my great Uncle Otto was a soldier in WW1, and lost his life at Fromelles. I have been involved with doing some research with the Fromelles Association and the Army contacted me and other cousins to do another mtDNA test to try and identify his remains from those that have been found. I feel there is not much hope but we have to try. This Anzac Day we will find out whether they have found a match. Even if not now, who knows about the future. (Update 2024 - we have waited 3 years so far and the test results have not come in - very disappointing).

I have had some great DNA breakthroughs which you can read about in my posts about Julia Barber and John Wallace, and I have made lots of connections with new cousins who are now very cherished family members.

I think it is brilliant and it really interests me to learn more. I have just signed up to a DNA course with SAG and Christine Woodlands and I am very keen to build my skills and my research. Stay tuned. I hope to be able to share more breakthroughs.

I also have a spare FTDNA autosomal kit which I might use myself just for fun.