DNA testing: Has anyone done it?

Hi there,

My partner and I have some serious doubts regarding certain family connections, so I’m wondering if anyone here has gone through the process of DNA testing to settle things like this. Is it actually possible to determine the specific degree of kinship, or does the science only confirm whether a biological link exists at all?

On another note, my boyfriend has a sister with Down syndrome. While we understand that Down syndrome itself isn't hereditary, we are naturally being extra cautious about other potential genetic disorders that might be passed down to our children.
Because of that, I wanted to ask: are there any legitimate compatibility tests available for couples? Is that also handled via DNA sequencing, or is it something else entirely?

What has been your experience with these kinds of tests?

Obviously, a DNA test proves you're related to your parents and grandparents, period. And look, when it comes to hereditary stuff, you know perfectly well that you might pick up certain genes or you might not, and it’s the exact same deal for your future kid. Stop stressing about whether a child will inherit some disease because if everyone lived their lives worrying about every little genetic possibility, nobody would ever have kids in the first place.

So, my boyfriend and I are dealing with this whole thing where our grandmas keep insisting we’re actually related. 😲 It’s wild because some people swear we are—even though they can't actually explain how 🙂—while others are totally convinced we aren't. 🤷

Basically, he and I want to get some actual testing done to settle this once and for all. We figured that’s the only way to be sure...

So, I wanted to ask you guys: is this even a thing? How does it work? Is it actually possible for the two of us to just go in, take a DNA test, and finally find out if there's any blood connection there?

Does anyone here know their stuff and think they could point me in the right direction? 🙂

Thanks a bunch!