About Us
Our Step-by-Step DNA Testing Process
Genetic Legacies focuses on helping people explore their family history through DNA testing. We assist individuals in tracing their ancestry, finding relatives, and uncovering details about their heritage. By analyzing DNA samples, we provide insights that connect the past with the present, offering a clearer understanding of family roots. Our goal is to deliver accurate, meaningful results that help you learn more about your background and the connections that shape your story. Take a look below to learn more about how we work.
Phase 1
DNA Extraction
The first step in the process is to carefully prepare and evaluate your sample to determine if it’s suitable for more detailed DNA analysis. We start with DNA extraction, a crucial process where we isolate the DNA from the sample and remove any other materials. We use a highly sensitive and robust extraction kit, designed to capture even the smallest amounts of DNA. This advanced method ensures that we’re able to retrieve as much usable genetic material as possible, even from challenging or degraded samples.
Once the DNA is extracted, we measure its quantity to confirm there’s enough to work with. Following this, we perform a light sequencing step to evaluate the quality of the DNA. This sequencing helps us uncover important details, such as whether the DNA is intact enough for further analysis, if it contains contributions from multiple individuals, and how much bacterial contamination might be present.
At Genetic Legacies, we treat every sample with great care and attention, knowing how much it means to you. Phase 1 is our opportunity to ensure your sample has the best possible chance of success before moving into the more in-depth and costly Phase 2. By taking these careful steps, we aim to provide you with the highest level of confidence in the results we can achieve.
Phase 2
Genome Sequencing
If your sample proves viable during Phase 1, we’ll connect with you to discuss the results and decide whether to move forward with Phase 2. This next step focuses on creating a detailed genetic genealogy profile that can be uploaded to the GEDMatch database for further exploration of your ancestry.
Phase 2 begins with whole genome sequencing, a comprehensive process that examines the DNA extracted in Phase 1 as thoroughly as possible. We use specialized sequencing kits designed specifically for challenging and minimal samples, ensuring we can extract as much genetic information as possible, even from degraded material. This step generates a comprehensive file containing all the genetic data successfully recovered from your sample.
Using advanced bioinformatics tools, we identify key genetic markers called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are vital for genetic genealogy. Typically, we isolate between 500,000 and 700,000 SNPs to create a profile that can be uploaded to the GEDMatch database. Additionally, we provide mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and, for male samples, Y-chromosome haplogroup information, offering further insights into your ancestral lineage.
Currently, GEDMatch is the primary database accepting artifact DNA, giving you access to tools and search capabilities that support genealogical research. We are hopeful that other databases, such as FTDNA and MyHeritage, will allow artifact DNA uploads in the future. If these options become available, the genetic genealogy profile we create will be compatible with those platforms as well.
We also retain the DNA extract and sequencing file, ensuring that as technology advances and new opportunities arise, your data remains ready for further analysis.
Phase 2 reflects our dedication to handling your sample with care, precision, and expertise, maximizing its potential for discovery through advanced and evolving methods.