This is the third in a short series of e-mails with some basic
information project members and those considering Genetic Genealogy
should have.
The information shown below is intended to give a brief explanation of
genetic genealogy test options available today. More information on
the subject is available on the web. Several links on testing options
and to the test companies mentioned are provided at the end of this
e-mail.
DNA Genealogy Test Options
Non-profit research organizations
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, SMGF - Participation requires
no monetary outlay, essentially it is a free test. The caveat is that
SMGF will not contact people who submit their DNA or acknowledge
receipt of the DNA or discuss any specific DNA test information with
anyone, though they are available to answer test related questions that
are not specific to the individual. YSTR test results are added to a
public database with a link to the pedigree that must be provided with
the DNA sample, but the 39 marker haplotype is displayed only when a
matching haplotype is entered. "Access to the SMGF database is free.
Participants have to follow a few simple steps to participate in the
project. They are required to provide at least 4 generations of
pedigree information on both the paternal and maternal lines. Also,
each participant must submit a DNA sample in a kit is provided by SMGF.
DNA is collected by swishing mouthwash in your mouth and putting back
into the collection container. Participants information will become
part of SMGF’s database. While participants do not receive
individualized results, a participant may view any genetic matches to
themselves by obtaining their markers from a commercial lab and
searching the database with those markers. Currently, SMGF has a subset
of data available called the Y-chromosome database that can be queried
using your own genetic markers to find matches. In the future SMGF will
establish mtDNA and autosomal databases. Also, participants receive a
discount toward either a 26 marker Y-chromosome test or a mtDNA
sequence from Relative Genetics for a discounted price for
participating in the project. SMGF is building a database of correlated
genetic and genealogical data to link biologically related individuals
together, while maintaining strict confidentiality of participants'
information" - The portion of this statement in quotes was provided
by SMGF.
National Geographic Genographic Project - Tests are conducted through
Family Tree DNA, which is discussed below. The project goal is to
collect aboriginal DNA haplotypes from indigenous populations around
the world. That is to say, they are primarily looking to identify
haplotypes for people whose ancestors have lived in the same place for
hundreds or thousands of years. This will provide a look at human DNA
migration prior to and during historical times. The public portion of
the project is collecting DNA from world populations as they exist
currently. The public can join the project by ordering a low
resolution YDNA (12 markers) or mtDNA (Hyper variable region one) test
for $99. The test includes Haplogroup identification either by direct
SNP testing or by comparison with other YSTR haplotypes. The
possibility of obtaining an SNP test for no extra money makes this a
very good option for people who are primarily interested in low
resolution (deep ancestral) results. Genographic Project haplotypes
can be added to a surname project at Family Tree DNA and/or expanded
later at the participants option. For $15, anyone with YDNA or mtDNA
haplotypes can join the Genographic Project and have access to the
great ancestral population migration pictorials that have been
assembled for participants.
University studies - many Universities also conduct non-profit DNA
research. I do not have a summary of these, but searching the
'University name' and 'DNA research' on the web is a likely way to find
out information for any specific University. Usually these studies
involve a limited number of markers, which may or may not be markers
used for Genealogy research. Results are often not revealed to
participants at all or only after several years. As discussed above,
small haplotypes provide an indication of relatedness within several
hundred generations only. The University of Edinburgh is currently
conducting a large study of people in Scotland and Northern England
that hopefully will one day bring many Carr, Kerr, etc. surname DNA
haplotypes into our database. Any one knowing of YDNA haplotypes for
the Carr surnames from University Studies that can be added to our
database is requested to forward them to me.
Commercial test labs
Commercial labs are more straight forward to deal with, you order a
kit, collect your DNA, return the collection kit, pay their fee and you
will normally have your haplotype within three to six weeks.
Sometimes, though not often, complications occur and a test has to be
repeated, which lengthens the time required to receive results.
Several commercial companies use surname projects to attract customers,
generally test costs through a surname project are granted a group
discount. Periodically commercial companies run specials with reduced
costs to attract new customers.
Choosing which lab to use is a personal choice, there are many
available. I am also the administrator for the Carr Surname Projects
at Family Tree DNA and DNA Heritage. A participant can choose to not
share their results if they wish, but that limits the usefulness of the
test since it's only use is for comparison with other people. A
breakdown of test company offerings follows. There are 32 markers that
are tested in common between FTDNA and all companies using Sorenson
Genomics, DNA Heritage, SMGF, Relative Genetics, Gene Tree. Sorenson
Genomics tests for 8 markers FTDNA does not test and FTDNA tests for 5
markers that Sorenson Genomics does not test. Ethnoancestry and
Fingerprint DNA offer most of the markers offered by the other
companies and use different labs then FTDNA and Sorenson Genomics.
Family Tree DNA, FTDNA - formed in 2000, FTDNA is a pioneer in Genetic
Genealogy testing. They are also the largest commercial company in
terms of total tests conducted, with over 50,000 YDNA haplotypes in
their database. FTDNA is also the DNA test company for the National
Geographic and IBM sponsored Genographic Project, discussed above. All
YDNA tests are conducted at the University of Arizona in Phoenix under
the supervision of Dr. Mark Hammer. FTDNA offers three tiers of YDNA
testing, 12 markers, 25 markers and 37 markers. The surname project
member cost is approximately $5.92 per marker. They also have
haplogroup identification tests - SNP tests, and mitochondria, mtDNA
tests which trace maternal line ancestry. FTDNA stores your DNA so
you can do additional tests in the future. They are a very
professional, reliable and friendly company to deal with. I am the
administrator of the Carr Surname Project on the FTDNA site, so
everyone testing through the Carr Surname Project has their results
reported directly to me and entered into our database. Most of our
participants have used FTDNA. FTDNA maintains a YSTR database that has
free access to everyone. FTDNA also maintains a public mtDNA database.
All participants are encouraged to enter their haplotypes into these
databases and use the analysis options provided there to learn more
about your YDNA haplotype.
DNA Heritage, DNAH - This company was originally set up in England, and
still has an office there. DNAH also set up a US office a few years
ago. DNAH uses Sorenson Genomics for their YDNA testing. They test a
DNA sample for all 37 markers (43 markers if multiple copy markers are
counted separately) and store the DNA sample only for a short period.
Individual markers can be purchased all at once or incrementally to
make payment easier. The smallest initial purchase is 25 markers.
Surname project member costs run $5.10 per marker ( DNAH is running a
discount offer through March 7, 2006 , 37 markers at $3.70 per marker,
a great deal). DNAH also has haplogroup identification, SNP tests. I
am also the administrator for the DNAH Carr Surname Project, so test
results through that project are also added directly to the Carr
Surname Genetic Genealogy Project database. DNAH also maintains YBASE,
a Y DNA haplotype database that is free to the public. All
participants are encouraged to enter their results into that database
and use the analysis options provided there to learn more about your
YDNA haplotype.
Relative Genetics, RG - a commercial branch of Sorenson Genomics. RG
offers the same 37 markers offered by DNAH. Costs are comparable to
DNA Heritage, there is a coupon offer for a 26 marker test for $99
through March 2006 by joining the SMGF Genomics project, discussed
above. RG has a Carr surname project, but it is not connected to the
Carr Surname Genetic Genealogy Project database at this time. Sorenson
Genomics also has another DNA test company called Gene Tree. Relative
Genetics also offers mtDNA testing.
DNA Fingerprint, DNAFP - Based in Germany, the owner is Thomas Krane
who has contributed much to DNA genealogy and understanding of the
results. DNAFP requires a one time DNA sample isolation fee, then
stores the DNA so it is available for any future test need. FP offers
most of the YSTR markers offered by the other companies, plus a few
that are unique to them, as well as mtDNA and other DNA test options.
DNAFP also offers many specialized tests for individuals desiring to
delve deeper into understanding their DNA Haplogroup. This is of
particular use for projects where many members share the same 37 or
more marker haplotype. DNAFP costs vary depending on the size of the
order placed. Most YSTR markers cost $6.20 (US) each, plus a one time
DNA isolation fee ($71), 37 markers costs approximately $6.94 per
marker, except this may be reduced up to 50% with a group discount.
Markers can be ordered at any time and paid for individually once the
isolation fee is paid. A group has formed in the US that collects
orders from everyone desiring to test each month to obtain a group
discount that can range up to 50% if enough orders are collected. This
can reduce the total cost per marker down to around $3.50. Contact me
if you desire more information on making a group purchase. Details
about DNAFP's many test offerings are available on the DNAFP website.
Ethnoancestry, EA - 'Ethnoancestry offers a range of testing options to
serve a clientele interested in learning more about both their
genealogical and deep ancestral roots'. YSTR marker testing is
available, as are Haplogroup identification SNP tests and mtDNA sub
class tests and autosomal tests. EA offers YSTR markers that are
unique. Few people in the worldwide DNA database have been tested for
these markers. EA's founder, David Faux has been an avid Genetic DNA
researcher and promoter, even before he set up EA as a business. EA
uses various DNA test labs in England and the US.
Oxford Ancestors, OA - Started in 2000 at Oxford University and is
based in England. OA conducts a low resolution 10 marker test in their
own lab. They provide result reports to customers indicating
relatedness to Ghengis Kahn and other historical figures. They do not
publish which markers they test, though I believe they release these to
their customers as OA results are published in some DNA databases.
African Ancestry, AA - Based in the US, this company markets primarily
to people with African descent. They use a low resolution 9 marker Y
DNA test conducted by Sorenson Genomics and a low level mtDNA test to
establish African ancestral connections. Website listed below.
Other commercial DNA test companies are also available, as explained on
the websites referenced below. Companies that I have tested with and
am most familiar with are FTDNA, DNA Heritage, DNA FingerPrint and
Ethnoancestry.
The focus here was on YDNA testing, but mtDNA testing and autosomal DNA
testing are also available for maternal line ancestral identification
and general ancestral identification respectively.
Links:
Comparison of test options between companies:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~bonsteinandgilpin/dna/
ydnaco.htm (link ends in .htm)
Comparison of test costs between companies:
YDNA testing:
http://www.isogg.org/ydnachart.htm
mtDNA testing:
http://www.isogg.org/mtdnachart.htm
Testing Organizations/Company links:
SMGF -
http://smgf.org/
Genographics Project -
https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/index.html?
fs=www3.nationalgeographic.com (link ends in .com)
also:
http://www.familytreedna.com/ftdna_genographic.html
FTDNA -
http://www.familytreedna.com/
Carr Surname Project -
http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=D34322&special=true
(link ends in true)
DNAH -
http://www.dnaheritage.com/
Carr Surname Project -
http://www.dnaheritage.com/surnameform.asp?
GroupUnique=454625449&Surname=Carr (link ends in =Carr)
RG -
http://www.relativegenetics.com/relativegenetics/index.jsp (link
ends in .jsp)
FP -
http://www.dna-fingerprint.com/index.php
EA -
http://www.ethnoancestry.com/
AA -
http://www.africanancestry.com/
Write anytime with questions,
John Carr
Carr DNA Genealogy Project websites
Linking Carr/Kerr/Karr/Corr/Kear families around the world through
their genetic record
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~carrfamilydna/
http://www.carr-genealogy.com/dna.html