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''[[Hiring a Professional Researcher|Hiring a Professional Researcher]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|RTENOTITLE]]  [[Hiring_a_DNA_Testing_Company|Hiring a DNA Testing Company]]''
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DNA testing has become an accepted tool for identifying ancestors. Information stored in the Y-chromosome passes virtually unchanged from father-to-son for centuries. Analysis of this genetic information, found in living people, can help you determine whether or not you share a common ancestor with another person alive today. Computer algorithms predict approximately how long ago the common ancestor lived. These results have many genealogical applications.


==Hiring a DNA Testing Company==
<br>{{DNA}}
DNA testing has become an accepted tool for identifying ancestors and for verifying genealogical leads. It is also used frequently to learn about our deep ancestry. Testing your family DNA sometimes results in finding cousins who may have more genealogical information than you.
 
== Disclaimer  ==
== Frequently Asked Questions  ==
'''Neither The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nor FamilySearch International is associated in any way with any DNA study. As a non-profit organization, FamilySearch cannot recommend a specific DNA-testing company to you.'''
 
#How can DNA testing help me in my genealogical research?
#Which company should I pick?
#How much does it cost?
#Who can be tested?
#How do I interpret my DNA results?
 
A lecture given at RootsTech 2012 by FamilySearch staff can help you answer these questions:


== DNA Testing Companies ==
{{Online course badge
| link = https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/genetech-ydna-solutions-to-common-genealogical-problems/506
| name = GeneTech: YDNA Solutions to Common Genealogical Problems
}}


The main five main companies for genetic genealogy are [[23andme in Genealogy Research|23andme]], [[Ancestry DNA in Genealogy Research|Ancestry]], [[FamilyTreeDNA in Genealogy Research|FamilyTreeDNA]], [[Living DNA in Genealogy Research|LivingDNA]], and [[MyHeritage DNA in Genealogy Research|MyHeritage]]. All five of these companies sell DNA kits, predict your ethnicity results, generate a list of your genetic relatives who are also in the database, tell you the amount of centimorgans you share with each match, and predict the relationship between the two of you, let you see lists of people who match you and someone else on your match list, let you add your family tree, and allow you to download your raw data. All of them use a microarray to test between 620,000-665,000 SNPs and all have a base price on their basic autosomal DNA test between $79 and $99. All five companies are highly reputable and will do a great job if you choose to buy a DNA test from them.
== DNA Testing Companies  ==


In addition to these five companies, [[GEDmatch in Genealogy Research|GedMatch]] is also a key genetic database. GedMatch, however, does not sell DNA kits, you must buy a kit from another company and then upload your DNA raw data file into GedMatch.
Some major testing companies, which charge fees for their services, are listed below in alphabetical order. Please visit their websites to learn what services they offer.<br>


If you are looking for someone you gave up for adoption, it is important to get your DNA in all the databases. That way you have the best possible chance of finding the one person you are looking for.
*[https://www.23andme.com/ 23andMe]
*[http://dna.ancestry.com/welcome.aspx Ancestry DNA]
*[http://www.familytreedna.com/faq/ Family Tree DNA]
*[http://www.genetree.com/ GeneTree]
*[http://www.oxfordancestors.com/ Oxford Ancestors]
*[http://www.sorensongenomics.com/ Sorenson Genomics]


== Comparison Table of the Five Main DNA Testing Companies ==
== Public DNA Databases  ==


The following is a table comparing the main features of the five main DNA testing companies. To see the full table please refer to the ISOGG wiki page [https://isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_testing_comparison_chart Autosomal DNA testing comparison chart.]
*[http://www.ysearch.org/ YSearch]
*[http://www.genebase.com/ GeneBase]
*[http://www.smgf.org/ Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation] (formerly sponsored by Brigham Young University)


{| class="wikitable"
The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to building the world's foremost collection of DNA and corresponding genealogical information. SMGF is making some information available on their web site. Finding matching DNA results and pedigrees in the Sorenson Database can help you make new family connections throughout the world and across generations.The Foundation is a world leader in DNA research with direct application to genealogy. Their work complements other studies that focus on the "deep ancestry" of humankind.
|+ Comparison of the Five Main DNA Testing Companies
|-
! !! [[23andme in Genealogy Research|23andme]] !! [[FamilyTreeDNA in Genealogy Research|FamilyTreeDNA]] !! [[Ancestry DNA in Genealogy Research|Ancestry]] !! [[MyHeritage DNA in Genealogy Research|MyHeritage]] !! [[Living DNA in Genealogy Research|LivingDNA]]
|-
| Website || www.23andme.com || wwww.familytreedna.com || www.dna.ancestry.com || www.myheritagedna.com || www.livingdna.com
|-
| People in Database <br> (13 August 2023) || 14,000,000 || 1,574,253 || 23,000,000 || 7,200,000 || 300,000
|-
| Comments on Database|| Mainly Americans || Mixture of Americans and Europeans || Mainly Americans || Bestselling DNA test in Europe|| Mainly British People
|-
| Base Price || $99 || $79 || $99 || $89 <br> (frequently on sale for $49) || $79
|-
| Shipping || $9.95 || $9.95 || $9.95 || $5 || $9.95
|-
| Free Return Shipping || Yes || Yes || Yes || No || Yes
|-
| Uploads Allowed from Other Companies || No || Yes || No || Yes || Yes
|-
| Cost to Get all Features from Uploaded DNA || NA || $19 (Sale price $9-10) || NA || $20 || $20
|-
| Method || Spit tube || Cheek Swab || Spit Tube || Cheek Swab || Cheek Swab
|-
| Chromosome Browser || Yes (Disabled as of October 20th, 2023) || Yes || No || Yes || Yes
|-
| Matching X DNA Reported || Yes (Disabled as of October 20th, 2023) || Yes || No || No || No
|-
| Means of Contacting Matches || Internal messaging system || Emails provided || Internal messaging system || Internal messaging system || Internal messaging system
|-
| Response Rate || Low || Medium || Low || Medium || Medium
|-
| Autosomal SNPs Tested || 630,312 || 612,272 || 637,639 || 576,157 || 683,503
|-
| Y chromosome SNPs Tested || 3733 || 0 || 1691 || 3495 || 34,216
|-
| X chromosome SNPs Tested || 16,530 || 16,271 || 28,892 + 440 from the PAR region || 26,694 || 15,028
|-
| Mitochondrial SNPs Tested || 4318 || 179 || 263 || 0 || 3982
|-
| Special features || Neanderthal Ancestry, Y and mtDNA haplogroups || Y-DNA and mtDNA specialized tests || Thrulines || Theories of Relativity <br> DNA clusters || High resolution ethnicity estimates for the UK
|-
|}


== Public DNA Databases ==
== DNA Projects  ==


Public DNA Databases do not sell DNA kits, but do allow uploads from the other companies. Here is a list of some of them.
Thousands of DNA Projects, usually focused on a particular surname, location, or ethnicity, are active around the world. To determine if a DNA project is underway for your ancestor's surname, start with [http://www.worldfamilies.net/ World Families Network].  


*[https://DNAGedcom.com DNAGedcom.com]
Other DNA projects can be found on the Internet by using a search engine, such as Google, with the words "Genealogy DNA". Contact each organization for additional information.  
*[http://www.gedmatch.com/ Gedmatch] - Autosomal raw data only
*[http://www.genebase.com/ GeneBase]
*[https://mitoYDNA.org mitoYDNA.org] - Crowdsourced Y and mitochondrial databases
*[http://www.yhrd.org/ YHRD] - Y-Chromosome STR haplotype reference database


=== Defunct Public DNA Databases ===
Examples of individual projects include:  
*[http://www.mitosearch.org/ Mitosearch] - Site closed in May 2018 over concerns their data was not compliant with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
*[http://www.mtdnacommunity.org mtDNACommunity] - As of August 2020 the site is down, but you may be able to contact them at [mailto:info@mtDNACommuity.org info@mtDNACommuity.org]
*[http://www.smgf.org/ Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SNGF)] - Formerly sponsored by Brigham Young University, SMGF was acquired by [http://www.ancestry.com/ Ancestry]. The data is not publicly available.


== Result Analysis  ==
*[http://groups.ancestry.com/group/35403972 Britton International DNA&nbsp;Project at Ancestry]
*[http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/britton/ Britton International DNA Project] - main website
*[http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/kevan Kevan DNA Project ]
*[http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/harrison Harrison DNA&nbsp;Project]
*[http://www.familytreedna.com/public/spencer/default.aspx Spencer DNA&nbsp;Project]
*[http://www.kerchner.com/dna-info.htm Kerchner DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy]


Organizations, such as [http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/ The Genetic Genealogist], [http://www.geneticgenealogyconsultant.com/ The Genetic Genealogy Consultant], and [http://www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/ Your Genetic Genealogist] provide services to help you interpret your DNA results and get the most out of what they can tell you about your roots.
== What is DNA?  ==


== DNA Projects  ==
DNA research is based on the 46 chromosomes that every human being has (with few exceptions). The gender determining chromosomes are X from the mother and either X or Y from the father.&nbsp; If X from the father, the child is female and if Y from the father the child is male.&nbsp; The Y-chromosome can be traced from father to son to son and so on.&nbsp; The mother has a mtDNA which is something of an energy source for the cells.&nbsp; All children of one mother have the same mtDNA as do all children of that mother's daughters, though not of her sons since mtDNA can't be passed by men.&nbsp; Since the mutation of chromosomes is very slow the study of the Y-chromosome or the mtDNA trail forms the basis of the DNA genealogy.  
Thousands of DNA Projects, usually focused on a particular surname, location, or ethnicity, are active around the world. A listing of geographical projects can be found in the [http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Geographical_DNA_projects ISOGG Wiki].  
 
== DNA in the news  ==


A list of the over 11,000 FamilyTree DNA projects can be found on their [https://www.familytreedna.com/group-project-search FamilyTreeDNA Group Projects] page.
*[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/24/us/with-dna-testing-adoptees-find-a-way-to-connect-with-family.html With DNA Testing, Suddenly They Are Family] by Rachel L. Swarns (''New York Times'', 23 January 2012). Discusses DNA tests for adopted people.
=== Adoption-Specific Projects ===
*[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700150651/DNA-solves-a-Joseph-Smith-mystery.html DNA solves a Joseph Smith mystery] by Michael De Groote (''Deseret News'', 9 July 2011)
These projects have created with the specific purpose of helping adoptees find their biological families.
*[http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700249298/DNA-shows-Joseph-Smith-was-Irish.html DNA shows Joseph Smith was Irish] by Michael De Groote (''Deseret News'', 8 August 2011)
*[https://dnaadoption.org/ DNAAdoption]
*Mixed Roots Foundation [https://mixedrootsfoundation.org/programs/global-adoptee-genealogy-project/ Global Adoptee Genealogy Project (GAGP)]


== Websites  ==
== Websites  ==


{{Wikipedia|Genetic_genealogy|Genetic genealogy}}
*[http://www.isogg.org/ International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)]. Site includes newsletters, a DNA [http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Wiki_Welcome_Page Wiki], list of DNA consultants for hire, list of DNA speakers, DNA signatures of famous people, and much more.
*[http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/index/GENEALOGY-DNA/ Genealogy DNA Mailing List (RootsWeb)]. Active conversations about genetic genealogy.
*[http://broadcast.lds.org/elearning/fhd/Community/en/FamilySearch/RootsTech/Nathan%20W.%20Murphy/GeneTech%20Syllabus.pdf GeneTech: YDNA Solutions to Common Genealogical Problems Lecture Syllabus] (accompanies [https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/genetech-ydna-solutions-to-common-genealogical-problems/506 lecture] given by Nathan W. Murphy, MA, AG at RootsTech 2012)
 
== Disclaimer  ==


*[http://www.isogg.org/ International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG)]. Site includes newsletters, a DNA [http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Wiki_Welcome_Page Wiki], [http://www.isogg.org/tree/ Y-DNA Haplogroup Tree], list of DNA consultants for hire, list of DNA speakers, DNA signatures of famous people, project listings and much more. To ask questions and read news, visit their [https://www.facebook.com/groups/isogg/ Facebook page].<br>
''Neither The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nor the Family History Library is associated in any way with any DNA studies. As a non-profit organization, FamilySearch cannot recommend a specific DNA-testing company to you''.  
*[https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/list/genealogy-dna.rootsweb.com/2019/1/ Genealogy DNA Mailing List (RootsWeb)]. Active conversations about genetic genealogy.
*[http://www.dnaandfamilyhistory.com/ Chris Pomery: DNA &amp; Family History]. Online resources include DNA talks, books, papers, articles, blogs, presentations, podcasts, and websites by an expert in the field.  
*[http://www.jogg.info/ Journal of Genetic Genealogy]. Free articles from leading scholars in the field.
*[http://www.geneticgenealogyconsultant.com Genetic Genealogy Consultant]. Free tutorials and resources for understanding DNA results within a genealogical and ancestral context.
*[http://www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/ Your Genetic Genealogist]. This Blog strives to make the subject of genetic genealogy accessible and understandable for the non-scientist. Written by CeCe Moore, a professional genetic genealogist and experienced personal genomics consumer.
*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/03guillaume/ Autosomal DNA Facebook group]. Great place to learn more about your autosomal DNA results.


[[Category:Genetic_Research]]
[[Category:DNA]]

Revision as of 18:08, 30 March 2012

Hiring a Professional Researcher RTENOTITLE  Hiring a DNA Testing Company

DNA testing has become an accepted tool for identifying ancestors. Information stored in the Y-chromosome passes virtually unchanged from father-to-son for centuries. Analysis of this genetic information, found in living people, can help you determine whether or not you share a common ancestor with another person alive today. Computer algorithms predict approximately how long ago the common ancestor lived. These results have many genealogical applications.


DNA Double Helix.png


Frequently Asked Questions[edit | edit source]

  1. How can DNA testing help me in my genealogical research?
  2. Which company should I pick?
  3. How much does it cost?
  4. Who can be tested?
  5. How do I interpret my DNA results?

A lecture given at RootsTech 2012 by FamilySearch staff can help you answer these questions:

Hands on keyboard.png Genealogy courses: Learn how to research from an expert in GeneTech: YDNA Solutions to Common Genealogical Problems.


DNA Testing Companies[edit | edit source]

Some major testing companies, which charge fees for their services, are listed below in alphabetical order. Please visit their websites to learn what services they offer.

Public DNA Databases[edit | edit source]

The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to building the world's foremost collection of DNA and corresponding genealogical information. SMGF is making some information available on their web site. Finding matching DNA results and pedigrees in the Sorenson Database can help you make new family connections throughout the world and across generations.The Foundation is a world leader in DNA research with direct application to genealogy. Their work complements other studies that focus on the "deep ancestry" of humankind.

DNA Projects[edit | edit source]

Thousands of DNA Projects, usually focused on a particular surname, location, or ethnicity, are active around the world. To determine if a DNA project is underway for your ancestor's surname, start with World Families Network.

Other DNA projects can be found on the Internet by using a search engine, such as Google, with the words "Genealogy DNA". Contact each organization for additional information.

Examples of individual projects include:

What is DNA?[edit | edit source]

DNA research is based on the 46 chromosomes that every human being has (with few exceptions). The gender determining chromosomes are X from the mother and either X or Y from the father.  If X from the father, the child is female and if Y from the father the child is male.  The Y-chromosome can be traced from father to son to son and so on.  The mother has a mtDNA which is something of an energy source for the cells.  All children of one mother have the same mtDNA as do all children of that mother's daughters, though not of her sons since mtDNA can't be passed by men.  Since the mutation of chromosomes is very slow the study of the Y-chromosome or the mtDNA trail forms the basis of the DNA genealogy.

DNA in the news[edit | edit source]

Websites[edit | edit source]

Disclaimer[edit | edit source]

Neither The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nor the Family History Library is associated in any way with any DNA studies. As a non-profit organization, FamilySearch cannot recommend a specific DNA-testing company to you.

A family history conference hosted by FamilySearch. For online genealogical classes and videos see RootsTech.org.

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