23andMe® brings the world of genetics to you. 23andMe analyses variations at specific positions in your genome. These variations, called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), have the potential to tell you about your ancestry.
To learn more about what the 23andMe Ancestry Service includes, select any of the following options for additional information:
- Ancestry Composition Report
- DNA Relatives Feature
- Traits Reports
- Haplogroup Reports
- Neanderthal Ancestry Report
- Additional Features
Ancestry Composition Report
This report uses DNA you inherited from both sides of your family and tells you the proportion of your DNA that comes from each of our worldwide genetic populations, offering a detailed view of your ancestry from before ocean-crossing ships and airplanes came on the scene. The report also compares your DNA to individuals of known ancestry from over 2000 locations and territories in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, telling you more about where your recent ancestors may have lived.
DNA Relatives Feature
The 23andMe DNA Relatives feature requires customers to opt-in to the feature to access it. This is a popular, interactive feature that allows you to find and connect with genetic relatives and see specific DNA segments you share with them. The DNA Relatives feature can identify relatives on any branch of your recent family tree by taking advantage of the autosomal chromosomes—the 22 chromosomes that are passed down from your ancestors on both sides of your family—and the X chromosome.
Traits Reports
The 23andMe Traits Reports are included in the Ancestry Service. Our Traits Reports are a fun way to explore how your DNA makes you unique, from your food preferences to physical features.
Haplogroup Reports
These reports tell you about the ancient origins of your matrilineal and patrilineal ancestors. Haplogroups are assigned by finding the genetic variants that are unique to each group. These genetic variants typically originated tens of thousands of years ago. Women and men both receive a Maternal Haplogroup Report based on their mitochondrial DNA; men also receive a Paternal Haplogroup Report based on their Y chromosomes.
Note: Your matrilineal ancestors include your mother, her mother, her mother's mother, etc., and your patrilineal ancestors include your father, his father, his father's father, etc.
Neanderthal Ancestry Report
Even though Neanderthals vanished about 40,000 years ago, their DNA lives on in us. Based on research, Neanderthals interbred with humans around 60,000 years ago. Our Neanderthal Ancestry feature will tell you how much of your ancestry can be traced back to Neanderthals using SNPs located across all of your autosomes and your X chromosome(s).
Additional Features
The Ancestry Service also includes:
- Access to your raw, uninterpreted genetic data file** (Must not be used for medical or diagnostic purposes). Learn more about Raw Data.
- Access to share, compare and discover more with friends and family. Allowing you to trace DNA through your close family and explore the genetic similarities and differences between you and family members.
Customers who purchase the Ancestry Service will be able to add all of the existing Carrier Status*, Health Predisposition (includes both reports that meet FDA requirements for Genetic Health Risks and reports powered by 23andMe research)*, and Wellness Reports later for an additional fee.
*The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. 23andMe health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child's risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and carrier status report, visit https://www.23andme.com/test-info/.
**This data has undergone a general quality review however only a subset of markers have been individually validated for accuracy. The data from 23andMe’s Browse Raw Data feature is suitable only for informational use and not for medical, diagnostic or other use. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes.