DNA Testing isn’t a new product, but it is a product that has been observed. Finding out your own family history may lead you to surprising facts about your family.
Some people use it for entertainment. However, for others it might be the only method to reconnect with lost family members who you’ve never met. If you’re looking for all the information you need, MyHeritage has that for you. It allows you to discover your family’s past or learn about various clans across the world.
A point to be mentioned is that they only have autosomal tests, which are an effective method to connect with family members and the ethnic lineage.
This review we will examine how MyHeritage is used and how accurate it is.
Before you go on, you may want to check out this video by Family History Fanatics on YouTube that gives a quick review. Afterward, you’ll want to read the rest of the article for a more comprehensive review of MyHeritage.
Pros and Cons of MyHeritage MyHeritage West
Pros
- Results are given within 3-4 weeks.
- 24/7 customer service
- Every purchase of a DNA test includes a software to build your family tree
- Personal information and DNA tests are protected in a private manner
- Results that are easy to comprehend
Cons
- DNA does not offer any health-related information
- Small database of approximately 2.4 million records
- No in-depth explanations were given to explain your findings
- yDNA and mtDNA tests are not available
MyHeritage DNA Ethnicities Estimates
MyHeritage provides access to 42 different ethnicities which includes Irish, Jewish, Native American, Japanese, and many more. The estimates break down your ethnicity into percentages. A list of the regions of your ancestors, including the father and mother’s sides. Each of them is unique in its percentage that is your DNA.
These percentages can be viewed on a map provided by MyHeritage. It highlights shared ethnicities as well as ancestral places, including significant events that took place like births and deaths.
Doing the DNA Test
You can create a free login on MyHeritage to get started with the test. The account will be used in the kit to collect the information. The kit will use a swab to be placed inside of your cheek for about 45 seconds. Then, you place saliva into the vials supplied and send your kit back to business.
People of any age may take the test. Even infants are able to take the test with the consent from parent or the guardians. This test can be helpful for older people since they have a more challenging process of producing saliva.
DNA Reports
DNA Reports on MyHeritage are ready within 3-4 weeks. When you receive the email notification the report will show a map of genetic information showing your ethnicity and percentages.
After passing the test you can upgrade the kit at a cost of $49 to gain access to all the kits for health. This information isn’t provided when you purchase the test at first. You’re required to fill in a questionnaire which is then carefully reviewed by a qualified physician. A clinical team by the company will then review the report to determine if genetic counseling is needed.
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DNA Matching
It’s possible to get DNA match using the privacy settings of the website. It compares data with others to help determine potential relatives. The result could be that you match your fourth or fifth cousins. They make sure that even close relatives can be included.
If there are more matches, the chances are the relationship may be valid. It all depends on the amount of genetic sequences that are shared.
DNA Family Tree
A family tree can be created using a free software offered by MyHeritage. Once the results are given, you can create your own to trace the origins of your relatives from. This includes smart matching, which looks up families with similar profiles to identify a connection.
Although it is not clear where a particular relative came from, there is no given information about the reason why the individual chose to move. Family members may be able to determine the reason.
What they have to offer is an active search engine that scans through billions of historical information stored in databases.
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Knowledge Base and Customer Support
A help center and knowledge base are on MyHeritage’s site. It includes instructions on payment options, as well as guidance on how to understand DNA. Customer support is available free in a variety of countries which includes the United States and European countries.
MyHeritage Data Privacy
Any information given to MyHeritage is used for internal business purposes. They calculate the relationships between families and test DNA samples as well as raw DNA.
This information is never transferred, sold or licensed to other parties. If enabled, sharing DNA matches are included. MyHeritage will only share DNA results when requested or in the case of acquisition by the owners.
It’s possible to disable MyHeritage to not share personal information from DNA matches and being seen in search results.
Database Size
Compared to existing databases, MyHeritage has 2.4 million records, the smallest available in the field up to now. This could be a good opportunity to locate new relatives.
Data Exportability
This is where MyHeritage excels. Aside from the fact it can let you upload data from existing test providers, it grants you to download your own raw DNA data. Certain services won’t permit you to upload your information to other services once the data is uploaded to their servers.
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Regional Granularity
Although MyHeritage has access to 42 various regions that are not covered by MyHeritage, this is one of the weaknesses of their peers. This is especially important for results from autosomal tests since the data is broken down into specific areas of cultural significance.
Pricing Plans
MyHeritage has two options to make use of their service Kits or subscription. If you subscribe the subscription, you have access to their services at no cost in the case of a family tree with 250 members. But, you don’t have access to their features. If you’re able to pay for their subscriptions, they offer paid plans. The cost starts at $79/year for the Premium Plan and $189/year for the Complete Plan.
Each of them gets access to specific features per price plan.
On the contrary, they have an option to have the kit completed at the convenience of your own home. There are two options: Standard and Health & Ancestry.
Standard Kit
For $90, plus shipping fees, you receive ethnicity reports and access to MyHeritage’s DNA matches on their website. Contact potential relatives who match.
Health and Ancestry Kit
The kit is $220 including shipping costs. The difference with this one is the fact that it includes information on carrier risk and genetic risks. A family example: a clan that has had a history of diabetes, and other medical risks. Even rare illnesses may be included.
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Verdict
If the main intention is to learn more about your own ethnic lineage If so, MyHeritage is a great research technique.
You can have a complete analysis of your DNA however, you’ll not know the exact route your ancestors took across the globe. Health-related information will not be provided unless you’re willing to charge some extra. MyHeritage West
They have a huge database where you can browse anything you want. You can also upload your DNA information to MyHeritage to look for potential matches. MyHeritage West
Understandably, the information given to them is subject to the possibility of a breach. MyHeritage makes sure that any information uploaded to the site is secured by multiple layers of encryption. In general, users across the globe trust them.
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Most Frequently asked questions (FAQs) MyHeritage West
What is MyHeritage?
MyHeritage is a genealogy website founded by Gilad Japhet. Their mission is to connect distant relatives from the past and present by conducting DNA tests. The test combines genetics and family records to enable individuals from all walks of life join.
Does MyHeritage have a privacy policy?
Yes. The data stored in MyHeritage is secure and it’s CLIA-certified as well as Accredited by the CAP. DNA tests and personal data are protected through multiple encryption methods. Only you have the right to view the raw DNA information and DNA test results.
Any information supplied to MyHeritage will not be shared with any third parties. They will only provide the data to the person who requested it or when it is required to.
What time will the results be provided by MyHeritage?
It can take between 3 and 4 weeks before the kit is returned to the company. As the results are made available, they will be notified by email. The results will be posted in the MyHeritage website.
What is the process for DNA samples within MyHeritage?
MyHeritage employs microarray-based, tests for autosomal DNA. Raw data is provided, and MyHeritage uses to calculate DNA matches and ethnicities on the basis of every ancestral lineage both paternal and maternal.
Is is possible to give MyHeritage DNA to someone as a gift?
It’s possible. You can send the kit yourself and include the address of the recipient or let MyHeritage do it for you. When they receive the kit, they’ll establish a new MyHeritage account and activate the equipment. After activation, the company will send emails about their results and their test samples.
Does the DNA test cost anything?
No. MyHeritage allows you to upload your raw DNA data for free, however the test itself isn’t. You can either use the kit, or enroll in any of their plans.
What’s the cost for a MyHeritage subscription?
Depending on the features you avail of, it starts at $79/year to the Standard Plan and $189/year for the Complete Plan. Each plan comes with its own special features and you will get more features as you pay more.
Can you revoke a MyHeritage subscription?
Of course. When you visit your MyHeritage website, click on your name and choose “My Orders.” Then click “Site Subscribers.” After seeing what your subscription’s status is, you can click “View details.” Below that, you’ll find the “Stop Renewal” button.