Hi Tonkin
There are 3 main DNA methods. The yDNA analysis traces the direct male lineage back millenia. The mtDNA (mitochondrial traces the diect female lineage back millenia. The aDNA (autosomal) test traces all a persons ancestors back 5 - 7 generations.
I have just given you the bare answer to your question. There is an immense amount of information on each method. If you have any particular question let me know.
Regards
John Mc

Thank you for your comment John.

Lots of information appearing online about tracing your bloodline using the DNA method and it has become a big money maker for those supplying the service.

Next question is how do you obtain a DNA sample from someone who died 1000 years ago to find out if you have the same DNA?

Silly question I know, but to compare DNAs accurately I believe you need a sample from each person.

You have to trace an individual who descends from the same ancestor down a different line. In the current databases you may well identify such a person.
Its not a silly question and it is being done although people dont usually know the identity of that person who died 1000 years ago.
The greater the number of people in a sample the greater the accuracy but you dont need everyone by any means.
It can cost a lot of money but people test incrementally which spreadss the cost over time. Some people sponsor tests if they consdier it will help their own objectives.

A bit more on the cost. The value of the DNA analysis depends on the databases you can use for comparison. I usually use the company FamilyTreeDNA but there are other companies that people compare favourably. FTDNA maintain a large database which large numbers of people all over the world are constantly interogating. The customers are very critical of delays in accessing information so that demands constant upgrade to keep us happy. When you consider what backs up your DNA analysis it is much more than just a laboratory test which in itself costs to provide a quality assured product. It is best to join a project (surname, geographic, genetic type) and get advice on the most cost effective means to reach your objective.

Excellent comments John.

I could go on and on about DNA but I'm sure most members who have used this method to trace their bloodlines are happy with the results, but it may be a bit harder locating documentation to confirm the results.

Would be interesting to hear from other members who have used the DNA method to trace their bloodline, and how far back they have gone.

hi my name is anne steel. I have taken the family tree dna test .the mtdna, and I,m really pleased and surprised by my results. I would recommend doing it and enjoying all that turns up. my only disappointment was that I didn,t get my haplo group, which I now have to send away for. regarfds anne

Thanks Anne.

I was starting to think other members did not use the DNA method so thank you for your reply. You did not mention how far back you traced your bloodline with the DNA results.

I first tried the Ancestry's Family Tree DNA for the Y and mt tests and to be honest I found it a waste of time and money. I redceive so called hits each month, but none of them are connected to my tree.
I then tried the Ancestry DNA which is a totally different type of test covering moth male & female conections and this has proved to be more sucseful having 1 3rd generalion confirmed hit and several 4-8 generation confirmed hits where we have found the link in our trees.

No matter which DNA testing company you use, please be aware of the end of Family Tree Maker and all connected to it. Ancestry.com has published end-dates, etc. You might want to check before jumping in.

Hi, had my only brother do the y test years ago on this subject. We did it through Ancestry. linking it to the Doig family world wide, had 4 exact matches, taking it back to John born 1737, with links possibly further to 1642, but still have questions unanswered.

My thanks to the three members above for taking the time to pass on their views having used DNA testing. We can all read about DNA online, but it's better to hear from others who have actually used this method. I'm sure all members thinking about using this method will appreciated any feed back, be it good or bad.

bev31 appears to be in front having traced her DNA back to John born in 1737, with links possibly going further back to 1642.
Hope you find the answers to your unanswered questions bev31.

hi Tonkin, sorry for not adding more on my dna results. my biggest surprise was finding finnish relatives. also one we now know to be a definite cousin who thought her ancestor was just adopted by a member of my family, but is actually their child or niece. so the furthest back would be 1600 cheers anne