Ok, so maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but not much.
Someone commented recently that they were surprised that I had taken tests with other companies since I am affiliated with Family Tree DNA. I’d like to talk about that.
First, I am affiliated with Family Tree DNA. I provide the Personalized DNA Reports that they sell. We teamed up several years ago to offer these. I am not an employee, but a contractor to them. Having said that, I was a customer long before that. I’ve established several projects there, and for many reasons, I believe they are the best in this industry.
However, that has never kept me from testing at other companies, for several reasons.
First, I feel an obligation to my clients to be well versed in what the industry has to offer, and how can you be well versed if you don’t take the tests? At least, that’s what I tell my husband when he asks why all those DNA testing bills:) So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Secondly, I believe in fishing in different ponds. Your DNA is fishing for you 24x7x365.
Third, there are lots of people in lots of places conducting research today. I’m involved with a number of those projects as well, as a volunteer.
Fourth, if one company has a better tool for DNA analysis, I’m all for it, and for them. For example, 23andMe was the first to offer the full spectrum autosomal tests, and I tested there and so did many of my family members. I have also benefitted from the health information.
Fifth, I like to compare similar information between companies. You can see an example of this and how I used it in my genealogy in the paper I wrote (published in JoGG), Revealing American Indian and Minority Heritage Using Y-line, Mitochondrial, Autosomal and X Chromosomal Testing Data Combined with Pedigree Analysis.
So, I’m by no means a DNA snob or in an exclusive relationship with Family Tree DNA relative to testing. In fact, I recently ordered Ancesty.com’s autosomal DNA test. I want to see what they say, find cousins in that data base who may help to break down genealogical brick walls, and how my percentages of ethnicity are calculated there. I’ll let you know as the results come in and how they stack up with similar tests at Family Tree DNA and 23andMe.
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You’re pretty brave. I’d NEVER test with ancestry. I find it odd they don’t allow raw data download, but then based on their history of stealing data to sell to others at a fee, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.
Makes sense. What differences have you found in your DNA testing results for each company?
No mutations differences in mtdna although actual mutations aren’t given with every company. 23andMe for example only gives a haplogroup, but then they aren’t really in the genetic genealogy business. Haplogroup differences between companies because they are using different standards or estimating. The biggest differences are in ethnicity calculations in the autosomal tests.
I’m like you Roberta. I’ve tested with a number of companies too. I received my AncestryDNA kit in the mail today. I have found previously unknown relatives with both 23andMe’s Relative Finder and FTDNA’s Family Finder and expect to with AncestryDNA also. I also learned from a FTDNA surname project that I am definitely NOT blood related to a cousin.
I’d sure like someone who knows what he/she is doing, to analyze my data because it’s Greek to me and I just don’t feel like doing the studying to learn how to understand it. Is there such a service?
Yes, indeed, that is what I do. Personalized DNA reports are available for both Y-line (paternal) and mitochondrial (maternal) tests. You also have the opportunity to tell me what you were trying to discover and ask questions. I include your genealogy as well. You can order at http://www.dnaxplain.com/shop/features.aspx
Autosomal is more customized and I want to talk to folks who are interested in that before they order to be sure we are on the same page.
When I signed up with and had my initial dna test done, I was under the impression that FamilyTree DNA was doing a research project with both the National Geographical Society and Arizona University in order to develop the migratory paths of our ancestors. I had expected more than what I got. Is this project continuing? or dead in the water.
National Geographic is actually in the process of redoing the maps although I don’t know the timeframe. It’s still an ongoing project. More info coming soon.
Thanks for posting.
Roberta, are you testing our family with different companies? Do you need us to re-test with one?
Given the situation at hand, it wouldn’t hurt to do some advanced testing. Let’s discuss it offline.
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