FAQ
FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) was founded in 2000 and pioneered the field of genetic genealogy -- the use of DNA testing to establish relationships between individuals and determine ancestry. Early on, they created a digital platform that allowed a "citizen scientist" volunteer to setup a DNA study for various research projects (haplogroup study, geographical study, surname study, etc.), then invite other test-takers to a specific project in order to compare their DNA collectively. Although many genetic testing companies only offer one type of DNA test, FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) has an advanced suite of autosomal DNA, Y-DNA and mt-DNA tests along with interactive tools so a Volunteer Administrator can analyze and potentially recommend additional testing that may help an individual with their particular genealogy goal. After an individual takes any DNA test, there are no further costs associated with their account and they can freely join as many projects as they choose.
Consider the genetic testing company, consider what type of test(s) may assist you in your goal, consider how you would feel about unexpected results.Genetic Testing Company. Over two million people have tested with FamilyTreeDNA, resulting in the most comprehensive DNA matching database in the industry. Unlike other companies who send your DNA to third party labs, they are the only company in the industry with their own in-house state-of-the-art genomics laboratory. Compare with other genetic testing companies.
DNA submitted. The easy-to-use cheek-swab used to extract a DNA sample can be safely stored with FamilyTreeDNA for your future use, or destroyed pursuant to your preference. If you choose to store the genetic sample, later add-ons or upgrades may be requested without providing another a new DNA sample.
What to expect. For most people, the primary goal of taking a genealogy DNA test is to identify close or distant family members that have already taken the same test. Your genetic results are delivered to you via a database of genetic relatives, along with an estimated relationship determined by how much DNA you share. Sharing your name and/or email with these relatives is optional.
Genetic Privacy. Your privacy is of utmost importance to FamilyTreeDNA. They offer you the option of declining to compare your genetic results along with other relatives you genetically match. Your options INCLUDE "opting-out" of any law enforcement matching (FTDNA restricts matching to only cases involving unidentified remains of deceased individuals, or of a perpetrator of a homicide, sexual assault or abduction). Therefore, you choose how your genetic information is used and shared with others. Furthermore, they do not share your name or other common identifying information linked to your genetic data with third parties (except as legally required to comply with a valid subpoena or a court order, or, with your explicit consent). Transparency Privacy Policy at FamilyTreeDNA
Unexpected Results. Potentially sensitive results are occasionally discovered that reveal an apparent “non-parental event” (commonly known as an "NPE"), also referred to as "non-parent-expected" or "mis-attributed paternity." This means that the traditional history known of one's biological ancestry is conflicting with the genetic results.
How would you feel to find out that your sibling is only a half-sibling? How would your parent feel to find out if one of their own parents wasn't their biological parent? This is most often discovered with one's grandparents or great-grandparents (depending on the test, it can go further) and it can be the result of an undocumented adoption, a young mother marrying or re-marrying, an un-consensual encounter that led to pregnancy, coercion, infertility/sperm donation, etc.
This possibility should be considered. Even if the participant is not concerned with such an occurrence, sensitivity should be applied for any family members that may be affected. In addition, someone investigating their own unknown parent(s) may reach out to you to try and figure out how you are genetically connected. If considering these possibilities causes fear, anxiety or stress, please re-consider taking a DNA test. Discovering "bonus" family members isn't for everyone! There are support groups on Facebook for those that encounter surprising DNA results (some examples are DNA NPE Friends Link, DNA Detectives, DD Social).
This depends on your objective! FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) offers three (3) different types of DNA tests that target different parts of one's DNA.
SPOILER ALERT!
Most members of the Kent Family & DNA Project, males and females, order the "Family Finder" (at-DNA) test,
and, if they are a male with a biological KENT father, they also take a "y-DNA," 37 marker test.
The most popular test is the "Family Finder" that focuses on one's at-DNA (Autosomal DNA) and it is a powerful genealogical tool that both males and females can take. This type of DNA is inherited from both of your parents and is designed to find your personal genetic matches in their robust DNA database from each of one's four biological grandparent's family branches, within the last five generations. (This is the only type of DNA test offered at AncestryDNA, 23andMe and MyHeritage DNA, at FamilyTreeDNA it is one of three types of DNA tests offered.)
- Traces the branches each of your four biological grandparents, within the last five generations and beyond
- Provides the names and direct emails of your DNA relatives, an estimate of how closely they relate to you, and any genealogical information they have uploaded are provided to you in order to collaborate on genealogy and get past genealogical brick walls.
- myOrigins – mapping tool that provides a detailed ethnic and geographic breakdown of where your ancestors came from
The most valuable when researching one's strictly patrilineal heritage is a y-DNA (Y Chromosome DNA) test. With FamilyTreeDNA's advanced Y-DNA tests and the world’s largest Y-DNA database, their advanced male-specific Y-DNA tests (females do not inherit a Y chromosome) can be used to trace your direct and distant paternal lineage. Often, if a woman is the one interested in her patrilineal heritage, she will have her father, brother, paternal uncle, cousin, etc., take a yDNA test to represent this ancestry. 37 markers is a good place to start and can confirm close relationships. Increase your marker count to 67 or 111 to identify closer matches. You can upgrade to higher markers later (start at a minimum of 37 markers, the 12 marker test is mostly obsolete).
- Traces the direct paternal line (father's father's father, etc.).
- Provides the names and direct emails of any matches who share common direct paternal ancestry within 25 generations.
- Provides a predicted ancestral migration route (haplogroup) of your direct paternal line stretching back thousands of years.
The Kent Family & DNA Project relies heavily on the results of qualifying males* that have taken a yDNA test since it will reveal the "deep ancestry" of their KENT ancestor (ancestry origins from thousands of years ago, indicated as an assigned haplogroup).
A mtDNA (Mitochondrial DNA) test is often used for genealogy purposes but will provide the "ancient origin" results of the mitochondrial DNA that is received from one's biological mother. Both males and females inherit mt-DNA, but only daughters pass on mtDNA throughout the generations. This type of DNA mutates so slowly over hundreds and/or thousands of years so it can be challenging to utilize the results along with traditional paper-trail genealogy due to women often adopting their husband's surname (although there are scattered reports of success in this respect). Beyond exploring one's ancient origins, testing specific individuals to determine whether they have a matrilineal connection can be useful. Mitochondrial DNA should not be confused with the "X chromosome that every child inherits from their biological mother.Because mtDNA is passed down almost unchanged from a mother to all of her children, both males and females can trace their maternal line’s ancestry using their advanced mtDNA tests and the world’s largest mtDNA database. Follow the path of your female ancestors.
Use mtDNA to determine where your direct maternal ancestors came from, their locations in historic times and how they migrated throughout the world.
With mtDNA, discover your heritage on your maternal line and follow the migration paths of your female ancestors.
Explore your direct maternal line and geographic origins Uncover your maternal heritage going back to Africa Trace your female ancestors' ancient migration paths
- Traces the direct maternal line (mother's mother's mother's etc. line).
- Provides a list of any other DNA participants who share common direct maternal ancestry within 52 generations.
- Provides a projected ancestral migration route of your direct maternal line stretching back thousands of years.
ancientOrigins – tool that maps your ancient ancestors’ migration routes and shows the amount of autosomal DNA you still carry from ancient European civilizations.
Family Matching – enhanced feature that enables users to sort confirmed DNA matches by maternal and paternal lines
Chromosome Browser – exclusive tool for comparing matching segments of DNA (blocks) with your genetic matches