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Mail-in DNA tests have become a new way for people to find their roots.
But not all quests to find ones ancestry turn out well.
We also sought the expertise of professional genealogist and family historian Michelle Smith from Devon, UK.
Read both conversations below!
She says that despite everything that came to light, her relationship with her brother remains the same.
I think my relationship with him hasnt changed much.
In the beginning, it was weird.
Because on top of everything, it was kind of my fault, she admits.
It was me who insisted he did the test.
So he was a bit angry with me.
Hes still my little brother.
Some commenters shared anecdotal stories about baby-switching in Venezuelan hospitals.
But u/BigPensamientos says she and her family havent found anything specific about that yet.
My parents say that there were stories and myths and things like that, she says.
But it was a very good hospital.
The most expensive in Caracas at the time, so they didnt even think to be careful.
At the end of the day, the Redditor doesnt regret urging her brother to do the test.
There were times [where] I regretted it.
I feel sometimes like I caused so much pain.
But both my parents and my brothers say they are glad to know.
So its not my place to regret, you know?
3% also found out their parent is not their biological parent.
It may then seem that platforms like Ancestry and 23andMe can find any lost family member.
But Smith says that people can only find their biological matches in the databases of these companies.
In a situation such as this, a lab error is quite unlikely.
DNA is analysed slightly differently by each company, which can affect matches, the professional genealogist explains.
Although lab errors can occur, it is rare.
The most likely matches are usually 1st and 2nd cousins, Smith notes.
She also recommends taking DNA tests with other reputable companies.
If that doesnt prove successful, a genealogist who specializes in DNA evidence can help.
These genealogists understand both DNA data and genealogical records, Smith says.
Nevertheless, that doesnt mean people shouldnt try.
Smith does caution that DNA alone doesnt prove anything.
Sometimes you get no matches as no one from the family line you are searching has tested yet.
Check out the results:
