Ancestry.co.uk introduces DNA testing

People trying to track down their family connections can now add DNA testing to the list of tools they can call on, courtesy of Ancestry.co.uk.

Part of the worldwide genealogical site, ancestry.com, it has added this high-tech tracing for people who want to find distant relatives who cannot be found using standard databases of births, marriages and deaths records.

People in the UK can visit Ancestry.co.uk and request a DNA kit, they take a swab of saliva from inside of their cheek and send it off for analysis to see if it is possible to identify ‘new’ living genetic cousins.

All DNA results are stored anonymously on Ancestry’s DNA database, which only registered Ancestry users who have submitted their DNA can access. If a potential DNA match between two users is identified, each is notified by Ancestry and given the option to communicate directly.

The idea is to create networking groups of people with similar DNA; over the coming months, Ancestry.co.uk users will be able to add DNA results into their family trees along with existing research, photographs and stories.

They will also be able to create and join DNA Groups - organised social networks that let users work together to discover genetic connections. For example, those with the surname ‘Blair’ can use their DNA results to determine if they are related.

Ancestry’s chief family historian and co-author of the book, Tracing your roots with DNA, Megan Smolenyak said: “DNA testing in family history is reaching a critical mass. As more people add their results, Ancestry’s DNA database will become a powerful asset for users to make connections and discover their family tree.”

To develop this database, Ancestry has partnered with Sorenson Genomics, a US laboratory accredited for genetic genealogy testing. Ancestry.co.uk was adamant that people's privacy and security is not at risk.

"DNA forensics is split into different types and we only store what we call junk DNA that is useful for us to trace people. Also the DNA is stored anonymously," a company representative said.

However, if people are still unsure they can call a freephone number, 0800 404 9723, with questions about the service.

There are three tests available, a paternal lineage (Y chromosome test) costing £74, an advanced paternal lineage test for £99 and a maternal lineage test (mitochondrial DNA) for £89.

As a woman does not have a Y chromosome, a father, brother or related male can take a Y-DNA test on her behalf; taken with the maternal lineage test it can offer more chances of finding distant cousins.