Your Scientific Collaboration: mtDNA Full Sequence Results Donation

What is the mtDNA full sequence scientific donation program? faq id: 1464
Do you recommend that I donate my mtDNA results for scientific research? faq id: 1465
Why should I contribute my Mitochondrial DNA Full Genomic Sequence test results to research? faq id: 1466
How much does it cost to take part in the mtDNA Full Sequence Donation program? faq id: 1467
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will my personal information remain anonymous? faq id: 1468
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will I be informed of any studies that are published which use my results? faq id: 1469
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will I be informed of new discoveries made with my results? faq id: 1487
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, what is the topic of the studies my results may be used for? faq id: 1672
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, what results are used? faq id: 1673
Can I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research without the mtDNA full sequence test? faq id: 1674
Can I withdraw my participation in the mtDNA Full Sequence results research program? faq id: 1675
Is there a time limit on when I can agree to participate in research? faq id: 1680
Is Dr. Behar the only researcher who will use my results if I agree to contribute my results to research? faq id: 1689
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, what happens to my results after they are used in a study? faq id: 1690
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will you include my results in a study immediately? faq id: 1691
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, how long does it take for the scientists to publish the study? faq id: 1711
I paid for a relative's test, may I contribute their results to science? faq id: 1713
How do I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research? faq id: 2045

Questions and Answers

What is the mtDNA full sequence scientific donation program? faq id: 1464

The mtDNA full sequence donation program is the opportunity for individuals to contribute to scientific understanding of our common shared ancestry and historic migrations through maternal genetics.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
Do you recommend that I donate my mtDNA results for scientific research? faq id: 1465

No, it is not something that we recommend or endorse. However, Family Tree DNA customers have requested this service, and we do appreciate your enthusiasm. Therefore, Family Tree DNA has worked with population geneticists and NCBI Genbank staff to make this possible.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
Why should I contribute my Mitochondrial DNA Full Genomic Sequence test results to research? faq id: 1466

Donating your results to a study is an opportunity to help the scientific community advance research into our shared maternal origins. Contributing your results can also hold advantages for you, especially if you are interested in your haplogroup branch assignment. The more data the researchers have access to, the more likely they are to find more specific haplogroup branches that apply to you, and the more they can discover and learn about a haplogroup's history and origins.

Thousands of Family Tree DNA customers have tested their Mitochondrial DNA Full Genomic Sequence. Their results are an important addition to the results collected directly by researchers. After publication, we can incorporate the new discoveries, provide better haplogroup descriptions, and provide refined haplogroup assignments to our customers, including you.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
How much does it cost to take part in the mtDNA Full Sequence Donation program? faq id: 1467

If you have results from the mtDNA Full Sequence test, donating them for scientific use is free.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will my personal information remain anonymous? faq id: 1468

Family Tree DNA does not provide personal information to scientific research teams with your results beyond your answers in the participation survey.

However, it may be possible once your results are in the NCBI Genbank database for others to make a connection between your results there, your Family Tree DNA kit number displayed on group project webpages, your results in the mtDNA Community site, and additional information on third party sites.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer:Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will I be informed of any studies that are published which use my results? faq id: 1469

No, Family Tree DNA does not send notifications when results are sent to Genbank. However, should your results be used, we will display the NCBI Genbank ID they are assigned on the mtDNA - Results page of your myFTDNA account. You will need to check this page periodically.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will I be informed of new discoveries made with my results? faq id: 1487

Although we show the Genbank NCBI ID when results are included in a published study, we do not provide an analysis or summary of the specific impact this study has on your results. If the haplogroup tree is expanded as a result of the study, we will update all results in our database based on the new haplogroup tree.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, what is the topic of the studies my results may be used for? faq id: 1672

Study topics may include developments in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup tree and origins of haplogroups, histories of particular groups of people, research into medical conditions, and others. Many studies will combine multiple topics. For example, a study focusing on a particular population group may also expand the haplogroup tree adding to our understanding of some of its branches.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, what results are used? faq id: 1673

For the scientific study, Mitochondrial DNA Full Genomic Sequence test results and your answers to the participation survey are used.

However, after your results are included in a study and uploaded to the NCBI Genbank database, they may be linked to mtDNA Community and any additional information about your ancestry should you take part in that site.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
Can I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research without the mtDNA full sequence test? faq id: 1674

No. After ordering the mtDNA Full Sequence test, you will have the option to complete the donation survey using a link inside your myFTDNA account.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
Can I withdraw my participation in the mtDNA Full Sequence results research program? faq id: 1675

If your results have not yet been provided to a study, yes, you may withdraw your agreement.

However, please note that when your results are included in a scientific study, your results are uploaded to the NCBI GenBank database as supporting data. Once they are added to the NCBI Genbank database they may not be readily removed. To do so, you will need to contact NCBI Genbank staff.

In addition, although NCBI Genbank staff will make every effort to remove your results, the generated ID will remain in the database, and your results may become part of third party websites beyond the control of Family Tree DNA, the original research team, and NCBI Genbank staff.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
Is there a time limit on when I can agree to participate in research? faq id: 1680

No, in general, there is not a time limit for agreeing to participate in research.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
Is Dr. Behar the only researcher who will use my results if I agree to contribute my results to research? faq id: 1689

No. Both Dr. Behar’s research affiliates and other research teams may initiate collaborations with Family Tree DNA to include customers’ consented results.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, what happens to my results after they are used in a study? faq id: 1690

Once your results are used in a scientific study, that study will publish the Mitochondrial DNA Full Genomic Sequence test results in the form of a supporting data file. This includes the upload of results into the NCBI Genbank database. As part of the NCBI Genbank database, they may be accessed by anyone, including other researchers for future studies.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, will you include my results in a study immediately? faq id: 1691

No, the timing of contributions being used in a study is dependent on the research needs of affiliated scientific groups and the scientific community at large.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
If I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research, how long does it take for the scientists to publish the study? faq id: 1711

Family Tree DNA does not have information on the progress or publication date of a study in advance. The scientific team may complete some studies and publish within weeks. However, most studies take months or over a year to complete. After the study is complete and submitted for publication, the researchers may not know the publication date until it is actually published.

If another scientific team publishes a study that goes beyond the scope of the study currently in progress, the scientists will discontinue the current study.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
I paid for a relative's test, may I contribute their results to science? faq id: 1713

No, only the person tested has the right to contribute their results to science. Even if you paid for the test of a friend or relative, they need to be the one to consent to the donation. This is in keeping with the policies governing the NCBI GenBank database.

Although we at Family Tree DNA appreciate your enthusiasm, we ask that you practice ethical testing and kit conservator-ship. You may, of course, help explain the donation process to the person who tested.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.
How do I contribute my mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) results to research? faq id: 2045
If you have taken the Mitochondrial DNA Full Genomic Sequence test, you may agree to allow your results to be contributed to science. To do so:
- Login to your myFTDNA account.
- On the Home page, look for the survey link.
- Complete the participation survey affirming that you are the person tested and you have the right to contribute them to science.
Note: Your agreement does not guarantee that your results will be included in a published study or that they will be added to a scientific database.

Ethics Alert: Only the actual person tested may contribute their DNA test results to scientific research.

Contact: This service is provided as is. Family Tree DNA customer service staff do not provide support for it. They will not be available to answer questions.

Disclaimer: Further, in no event shall the staff and/or consultants of Family Tree DNA or Gene by Gene, Ltd., be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of your complete mtDNA sequence in scientific studies. You decision to disclose your personal genomic information and all consequences of it are strictly yours.