At the recent Members Morning, President Ray Young spoke on his experience of using the Ancestry DNA testing provision to see whether his father’s Scottish heritage would be reflected in his DNA. For a relatively small fee and a saliva sample he hoped to learn where his ancestors came from and how his genetics connect him to the world.
In hindsight he hadn’t really given much thought to the fact that DNA testing can also uncover unexpected information such as finding unknown relatives when building family trees due to mis-attributed parentage, for example, the father isn’t biologically related; or gaining insight into genetic health traits like lactose intolerance or inherited health risks. While his test result was straightforward he acknowledged that for others it can be emotionally destabilising and could strain relationships so it’s worth thinking ahead about whether you are prepared for that possibility.
Ray pointed out that your DNA is the most personal data you have and there are potential risks including your data being shared with third parties (sometimes anonymised, sometimes not); law enforcement access in criminal investigations; data breaches and the company doing your test being sold and your DNA going with them so you should always read the privacy policy carefully and consider whether you want your genetic information stored indefinitely. He suggested that before anyone goes for a DNA test they should ask themselves: Am I emotionally prepared for unexpected family or health information? Do I understand the limits of what the test can tell me? How does the company store and share my data? Am I comfortable with the possibility my DNA may exist in a database forever?
Ray summed up saying DNA testing can be fascinating but it’s also deeply personal so the key is to go in with open eyes and realistic expectations, treating the results as information and to think ahead about how you’d feel if the test uncovers something unexpected. He then gave his own DNA result which confirmed his father’s Scottish heritage and Shetland family connections with 32% Scandinavian and his mother’s 31% English link with strong Italian and East European connections.
Fooptnote: I, the blogger, have also had my DNA analysed; the surprise was that along with the 25% Celtic and 45% English that I expected, I’m also 15% Dutch. Now, where that comes from I have no idea. I need to investigate my family tree!
Here is a really good summary article about all forms of DNA testing.
Why not join us at our next meeting?
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid, sorry ladies) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and email info@largsprobus.org.uk if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.
Largs Probus Club will next meet in the Willowbank Hotel on Wednesday 4th February at 10am when Fraser Sutherland will give a talk on Humanism.