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• - topic General Payment Genographic Project Order Questions Privacy Group Projects -- Participants Group Projects -- Administrators Types of Tests Test Results -- Y-DNA Test Results -- mtDNA Status Questions Newsletter After I Test Once I Receive My Kit Dashboard

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• What is a Backbone test?
  A Backbone test determines which haplogroup, or major branch of the Y-DNA tree, your paternal line belongs to. It tests the “backbone” of the tree or the SNPs that determine the major branches. For a more detailed explanation of haplogroups, please check here: http://www.familytreedna.com/understanding-haplogroups.aspx. In order to provide our cus ...
  faq id: 515 in Types of Tests        Keywords: backbone, haplogroup, SNP
• What is X-chromosome testing? What will it tell me?
  
  faq id: 516 in Types of Tests        Keywords: X-chromosome, X-STR, females
• Which X-STRs should I test?
  X-STR Panel 1 contains highly discriminating X-STR markers that can be used for closely related family testing.  X-STR Panel 2 contains relevant X-STRs that are well documented in scientific literature. In combination with X-STR Panel 1, it is possible to group them in closely linked X-chromosomal haplotype blocks. Those blocks can be traced for se ...
  faq id: 517 in Types of Tests        Keywords: X-STR, X-chromosome, females
• What is the CCR5 test?
  
  faq id: 518 in Types of Tests        Keywords: CCR5, plague, virus, immunity, autosomes
• What is an autosomal test? What will it tell me?
  We test two panels of autosomal markers, which have several useful functions. Autosomal Panel 1 is a general purpose autosomal marker panel. It contains CODIS markers that can be used with the free OmniPop template for self-made bio-geographical interpretation. For relationship testing needs please visit www.dnafindings.com . Autosomal Panel 2 cont ...
  faq id: 519 in Types of Tests        Keywords: autosomes, autosomal
• What is the newsletter?
  The newsletter is a free publication called Facts & Genes. It contains announcements regarding advances in the field of genetic genealogy and upcoming events, advice on choosing a test and combining DNA testing with genealogy, and, for Group Administrators, case studies and advice on project management and recruitment.  To register for the free new ...
  faq id: 520 in Newsletter        Keywords: about, what, newsletter
• How do I subscribe to the newsletter?
  Follow the link below to subscribe to the newsletter. Enter your name and email address, and if you are a current Family Tree DNA customer check the “Customer?” box and enter your kit number. Record and keep the confirmation number given to you after you subscribe. Subscription to the newsletter is free. http://www.familytreedna.com/facts-and-genes ...
  faq id: 521 in Newsletter        Keywords: subscribe, add, receive, joining
• Why do I receive multiple copies of the newsletter?
  Each time you order a new kit for yourself or a relative, you are offered the opportunity to subscribe to the newsletter. If you have ordered multiple kits, you may have subscribed multiple times to the newsletter. If you are receiving multiple copies of the newsletter and would like to reduce your subscriptions to one, email your request to editor ...
  faq id: 524 in Newsletter        Keywords: multiple, copies, several, times
• What are haplogroups?
  Haplogroups are genetic population groups that identify where in the Y-DNA or mtDNA tree of humanity you fit in. Haplogroups are what allow us to identify how large groups of people migrated from Africa around 60,000 years ago to different parts of the world. For a more detailed explanation of haplogroups, please check here: http://www.familytree ...
  faq id: 525 in After I Test        Keywords: haplogroups
• Are Y-DNA haplogroups the same as mtDNA haplogroups?
  No. While they use a similar alphanumeric naming system, the haplogroup names in mtDNA do not correspond with the same haplogroup names in Y-DNA. For a more detailed explanation of haplogroups, please check here: http://www.familytreedna.com/understanding-haplogroups.aspx.
  faq id: 526 in After I Test        Keywords: haplogroups
• Where is my certificate?
  A certificate is automatically included in any original test order. You can order additional certificates using the Upgrades and Refinements link , then Standard Orders from your personal page.  If your certificate has not been printed yet or was only just printed, the system will not allow you to order another yet. If you transferred your Y-DNA re ...
  faq id: 527 in After I Test        Keywords: certificates
• What is my password?
  Your password is the second code you enter in when logging on to go to your personal page. The first is your kit number or sample code. Your password is emailed to you when we receive your samples and it is also included on the written report that is mailed to you. If you transferred from the Genographic Project your password is given to you at the ...
  faq id: 528 in After I Test        Keywords: passwords
• I tested with the Genographic Project; why are you offering me the Y-DNA haplogroup test?
  Our system is automatically programmed to offer a haplogroup test or Deep Clade test to individuals whose haplogroup have been tested or confirmed. Because the Genographic Project was able to predict your haplogroup with high confidence, it was not necessary to perform a haplogroup test on your sample. However, the haplogroup or Deep SNP test is ma ...
  faq id: 529 in After I Test        Keywords: snps, haplogroups, genographic
• How do I use the swabs?
  Here are step-by-step directions for using the cheek scrapers: 1) Remove the scraper from the packaging. 2) One end of the scraper has what looks like a flat toothbrush at the end. This is the end you will use to scrape, and is called a “swab.” 3) Insert the swab end of the scraper into your mouth. Hold the scraper at the opposite end like ...
  faq id: 530 in Once I Receive My Kit        Keywords: swabs, samples, scrapings, collections
• My kit was missing a swab or a vial when I received it. How do I get a replacement?
  If you are missing a scraper or vial when you receive your kit, please call our office at (713) 868-1438 or email info@familytreedna.com. Have your kit number ready and we will have a replacement item sent to you the next day.
  faq id: 531 in Once I Receive My Kit        Keywords: swabs, missing, replacements, scrapers, collections
• My cheek bled when I did the scraping, will this affect the sample?
  While we do not encourage you to draw blood, we can still use the sample even if contains a small amount of blood.  Blood is an excellent carrier of your DNA but while we appreciate your enthusiasm it is not necessary to scrape so hard.
  faq id: 532 in Once I Receive My Kit        Keywords: blood, bleeding, scraping, samples
• I forgot to wait 4 hours between swabs. Do I need a new test?
  Generally we ask that people wait 4 hours between swabs. This gives your cheeks time to recover and helps to give the lab a good backup sample just in case the first one does not yield results. However, we are usually able to get a good swab regardless of whether you have waited the 4 hours or not. If this happened, please go ahead and send us the ...
  faq id: 533 in Once I Receive My Kit        Keywords: hours, swabs, forget, forgot
• I’ve had a blood transfusion, radiation therapy, or surgery recently. Will this affect the sample?
  We recommend waiting one week after having serious surgery or radiation therapy before taking a sample. We suggest waiting 1-2 weeks after a blood transfusion as well.  However, even if you take the sample right away, the medical treatment you have had should not affect the sample and we will be able to get a good result. The only medical situation ...
  faq id: 534 in Once I Receive My Kit        Keywords: blood, surgery, therapy, radiation
• After I return the kit, how long will results take?
  Once the kit is checked in at our office, results typically take 3-5 weeks. Once the results are in you will receive an email with online access to your results page.
  faq id: 535 in Once I Receive My Kit        Keywords: return, results, how long
• Is a certificate included with my test?
  Yes! Family Tree DNA tests include a certificate suitable for framing which shows your results. A certificate is provided for every DNA test except for upgrades. The chart below shows which tests you receive a certificate for: Test Certificate 12 Marker Y Dna Test Yes 25 Marker Y DNA Test Yes 37 Marker Y DNA Test ...
  faq id: 536 in After I Test        Keywords: certificates
• When can I order a certificate?
  You may find that you cannot order a certificate for a test through the “Order Certificates” link. When a certificate is automatically included in the test you order you cannot order an additional certificate for several days after your results come in to prevent individuals from ordering a duplicate accidentally. Certificates for tests that do not ...
  faq id: 537 in After I Test        Keywords: certificates
• What is my kit number?
  Your kit number, or sample number, is a multi-digit number that is associated with your DNA and results. We use this number to keep track of your sample and to connect the sample to the results. Make sure to keep this kit number in a safe place in case you have any questions about the results once they are in. If you cannot find your kit number ple ...
  faq id: 538 in After I Test        Keywords: kit number, sample number,
• What is my password?
  Your password is a 5-digit alphanumeric number which is used, along with your kit number, to access your Family Tree DNA personal page. This password is automatically generated by our system when we check in your sample and cannot be changed. If you do not know what your password is please send an email to info@familytreedna.com with the name and m ...
  faq id: 539 in After I Test        Keywords: password
• Will I get results through the mail?
  Yes. We send out certificates and reports through regular postal mail. To see what the certificates look like, please go to this link: http://www.familytreedna.com/certificates-and-reports.aspx. The certificates and lab reports may take up to 3 weeks to arrive after your results have been uploaded to your online profile because we print and mail ce ...
  faq id: 540 in After I Test        Keywords: mail, postal, certificates
• How can I see my results once they are posted?
  Once your results are finished we will upload them to your Family Tree DNA personal page and send you an email to let you know that they are ready. This email will contain a link that will allow you to access your personal page or you can go to our main website at http://www.ftdna.com. On the upper right-hand side of this page you'll find two boxes ...
  faq id: 541 in After I Test        Keywords: results, online, profiles