DNA testing - genetic genealogy

[DevonCruwys]

The inheritance of blood groups is more complicated. Blood groups do not follow the paternal or maternal line and a child can have a completely different blood group to that of his parents. See this chart here:

http://www.nzblood.co.nz/?t=32

Debbie

[marcie dean]

OK
Another question which occurred to me. If someone has had a problem such Leukemia and has had marrow and bloods changed. They are going to have a greater problem tracking family if they leave things to late and do not have any parents DNA to use?

[Redroger]

Luckily for us Marcie, we at present have six males to choose from if we go for a DNA sequence test.

[DevonCruwys]

Marcie

I'm not sure what the answer is there. DNA tests use cheek swabs or spit rather blood so it might not be a problem. It's always best to get the DNA tested while people are still alive to do it.

Debbie

[Redroger]

I think we need the opinion of an expert on blood disorders if Rootschat has one.

[marcie dean]

Marcie
I'm not sure what the answer is there. DNA tests use cheek swabs or spit rather blood so it might not be a problem. It's always best to get the DNA tested while people are still alive to do it.
Debbie

That is what I was thinking. Whilst parents are still alive maybe we should ask them gently if they would leave us their genetic imprint. I do not see why the Government should have this information, if we cannot.  The problem is that most of us only become interested in our origins later in life, when it is more likely that our parents are not going to be around to answer our questions or assist us, so maybe we should have our own Dna sampled for our families future knowledge.  Not sure how else to say it. 

[Tisy]

Hi all,

I think this is a very important question - I have managed to get our y-DNA done to 67 markers and the deep clade test with my brother's co-operation.  I have also ordered the Family Finder and mtDNA tests which I will do - I am now 63 years of age, and although my children don't seem to interested at this stage, I feel that in the future they will have this information for whatever purpose they choose to use it.

We simply don't know at this stage just where genetic genealogy is going to take us;  who knows what it may reveal in time?

Cheers,

Tisy

[DevonCruwys]

Marcie

You make a very valid point. DNA testing for genealogy is still in its infancy. We have gone from 12 markers to 67 markers in the last ten years. Next year FTDNA will introduce a 100+ marker test. Whole genome sequencing could eventually become the norm. If the DNA from a particular person or a particular lineage is no longer available you won't be able to benefit from these advances in ten or twenty years' time. I already have some deceased project members. As well as getting DNA it also just as important to record the family information from the living. Barring major disasters such as fires and bombs, the historical records will still be there in the future.

Debbie

[Nick29]

In most cases the required DNA will be passed on through generations, but I can understand what you're saying.

However, one thing to consider is the likelihood of contamination, particularly when swabs are done at home.   Even the professionals can get it wrong.  Recently I was watching a programme on one of the satellite documentary channels, and they mentioned that in several murder cases, the same female of Eastern European origin emerged in the tests, which completely confused the police working on the cases.  Eventually this 'mass murderer' was traced to the East European factory where the swabs were manufactured