Consumer DNA testing has become increasingly popular, as more people seek to learn about their genetic family history. Over 25 million people have already taken an AncestryDNA^® test to learn more about their families’ origins—their ties to genetic populations in different parts of the world.

Despite their popularity, a number of myths and misperceptions about DNA tests still persist. Here are five common misunderstandings.

Myth 1: If your sibling took an AncestryDNA^® test, you already know what your results will be.

We get 50% of our DNA from each parent, so only identical twins have the same DNA. Unless you’re an identical twin, your AncestryDNA^® test results are likely to be slightly different from those of your siblings.

For example, two sisters—Francine and Lisa—share the same set of biological parents but have different results.

• Francine’s DNA results show a higher ethnicity estimate for Wales and a lower estimate for England & Northwestern Europe.
• Lisa’s results show the reverse: a higher estimate for England & Northwestern Europe and a lower one for Wales.

The AncestryDNA test is accurate for both sisters—they simply inherited a different blend of DNA from each parent.

This is why it’s important for multiple family members to take an AncestryDNA test. When those test results are considered together, they can tell a more comprehensive story of your family’s genetic origins.

Myth 2: Like all DNA tests, AncestryDNA^® requires a blood sample.

An AncestryDNA^® test uses a simple saliva sample to test your DNA. That’s all that’s needed.

Your DNA test kit includes instructions on how you’ll need to prepare your sample—it’s relatively quick and easy. Once you’ve sent in your saliva sample, AncestryDNA scientists will thoroughly analyze it. You can be confident that you’ll get accurate results through a saliva sample—a blood test isn’t needed.

Myth 3: If you know your family history, results from an AncestryDNA^® test will not surprise you.

Some people are very knowledgeable about their family’s past. They may have gathered many stories and photos over the years. They may also have extensive family trees that go back centuries. But family historians can be surprised, too.

Even if you’ve done genealogy research for decades, and you think you know everything there is to know about your family story, you might be surprised and delighted to discover that your DNA test results reveal an unexpected finding. For example, you could obtain an unexpected ethnicity estimate—a genetic connection to part of the world you hadn’t known was in your lineage. That new information could lead to new lines of research—something that might help you finally break through one of your brick walls and extend your known family lines even further.

Myth 4: Once you take an AncestryDNA^® test, you don’t retain ownership of your DNA.

AncestryDNA^® does not claim ownership rights to the biological DNA samples that are submitted for testing. You own your DNA. You control your DNA data. And you can manage, delete, or destroy it, should you choose to do so. Protecting your privacy is a top priority. For more information, check out the privacy center on Ancestry^®.

Myth 5: An AncestryDNA^® test will only uncover your ethnic mix.

AncestryDNA test results are about much more than where in the world your DNA actually came from. AncestryDNA can also show you cousin "DNA matches"—other AncestryDNA^® test takers you might be related to. You could discover that you’re related to a coworker, like Nicka or Aaron. Or you might find a long lost Irish cousin.

Depending on which type of AncestryDNA^® test kit you choose, you can also learn about the genetic traits your DNA may have influenced. For example, are you more likely to be a risk taker? Or maybe your genes explain why you dislike bitter tastes or cilantro?

Need more information about how AncestryDNA works? Articles such as AncestryDNA^® Test Differences and the AncestryDNA FAQ page provide answers to all sorts of questions.