However, most (82%) also learned the identity of at least one genetic relative. Almost half (46%) of the 23,196 respondents had participated in GRF services only for non-specific reasons that included interest in building family trees and general curiosity. We surveyed a convenience sample of GRF service participants to understand the prevalence of discoveries and associated experiences. Some DTC genetic testing companies offer genetic relative-finder (GRF) services that compare the DNA of consenting participants to identify genetic relatives among them and provide each participant a list of their relative matches. In recent decades, genetic genealogy has become popular as a result of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing.
