There are many ways to research your family history—through public records, written and oral family history, genealogies assembled by other family members. But did you know that you don’t have to go too far or dig very deep to find out where your ancestors came from? The answer is in your DNA.
Without having to leave the comfort of your home, and using only your DNA cheek swab sample, you can find out your biogeographical ancestry (BGA)—that is, your percentage makeup from the 4 main world population groups: European, Indigenous American, Sub-Saharan African, and East Asian. This test is called DNA Origins®  and it is performed at DDC’s laboratory by testing an exclusive array of gene markers that gives our scientists information about where your genes, and therefore your ancestors, came from.
Your BGA is not the only thing we can tell from your DNA. Another test we offer called the Maternal Lineage test gives you even more specific information about where your direct maternal line comes from—so if you’ve ever wondered which side of your family is responsible for that red hair of yours, you’ll find your answer.
For males only, we also have a Paternal Lineage test—sorry, ladies—this requires testing the Y chromosome, which only males have. Females could ask a male family member, such as a full brother or father, to stand in for this test. A cheek swab is sufficient here as well, and the test reveals your direct paternal line’s geographic origins.