declanobrennan wrote: » Hi - I hope this is the right forum. I am looking to buy someone a DNA test as an unusual Christmas present. He is very interested in genealogy. My understanding is what you are actually purchasing is the possibility to send away a swab of saliva (or whatever!) to a company/lab that then tests your DNA and gives you back a full map of your genotype. I believe this may include information about your genetic ancestry etc. It's also possible that this is linked to the Human Genome Mapping project - I seem to remember hearing that but this could be untrue. Perhaps someone can advise? Now I realise I probably got my genotypes mixed up with my DNA and my genes because it's about 15 years since I studied biology for the Leaving so feel free to point out what's what to me. But mainly I'm just wondering if anyone in Ireland can advise me of their experience of buying a reputable DNA test/genome mapping kit? Thanks, Declan