How successful is commercial DNA testing in resolving British & Irish cases of unknown parentage?

• DOI: 10.24240/23992964.2022.1234539
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03T09:54:55Z
• Authors: Maurice Gleeson; Donna Rutherford; Debbie Kennett; John Cleary; Michelle Leonard
• Keywords: Cousin; Identification; DNA profiling

This study is the first to characterise type of people trying resolve unknown parentage cases in UK and Ireland, how successful their efforts are, using commercial DTC (direct-to-consumer) DNA tests. A survey was conducted individuals born or with a biological parent from who had used genetic genealogy as part search for one both parents. Success rates were high assisting identification birth 48-55% cases. In an additional 20-21% cases, identified grandparents more distant ancestors. The majority those identifying did so within 6 months receiving results (39-55% cases), 2 years, 78-87%% parent. When they got results, 40% very close matches (half-first cousin closer), 33% second range, remaining 27% matches. also attempted assess likelihood success combined use GEDmatch FTDNA IGG (investigative genealogy) Britain Ireland found that potentially IGG-suitable present about 60% These complement earlier studies have important implications social policy Ireland.    Keywords – DNA; genealogy; parentage; adoptee; foundling; father; donor-conceived;