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I’ve Never Met a DNA Test I Wouldn’t Take….

Roberta Estes

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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