Family Tree DNA, the genetic genealogy arm of Gene by Gene, announced today in a press release that it has processed over 1,000,000 DNA test kits results for genealogy and anthropology purposes.

This historic amount includes Family Tree DNA’s tests as well the processing of public participation samples for National Geographic’s Genographic Projects genetic testing partner.

The million-test milestone was reached this week during the company’s Father’s Day sale, which includes the Family Finder test currently discounted to the price of $79 and the Big Y at $595.  So if you purchased one of these tests this week, you could have been that historic millionth person!

The press release goes on to say:

Family Tree DNA offers the widest range of DNA testing services in the field of genetic genealogy.  The company prides itself on its commitment to the practice of solid, ethical science. Family Tree DNA has the largest database in the world for matching purposes, which means increased chances of finding long lost relatives. In that regard, Family Tree DNA is an important resource for the three million people in the United States who either were adopted or descend from adoptees.

Founded in 2000, Gene By Gene, Ltd. is a CAP-accredited and CLIA-registered genetic testing company that serves consumers, researchers, and physicians. Gene by Gene offers a wide range of regulated clinical diagnostic tests, as well as research use only (RUO) tests. The Family Tree DNA division of Gene by Gene is a pioneer and leader in DNA testing for genealogy and ancestry. The company operates the largest genetic genealogy database in the world and has provided more than 5 million discrete genetic tests.

It seems like only yesterday that I ordered kit 6656, but it was December of 2002, nearly a dozen years ago.  On New Year’s Eve of 2005, right at midnight, I ordered kit 50,000.  The genetic genealogy community was very excited at that milestone as well.  Eight and a half years later, one million.  It took Family Tree DNA 3 years, from 2002 to 2005, to sell 43,000 kits, or about 14,500 kits per year.  Between 2005 and today, they have sold another 950,000 kits, or just over 100,000 per year, on average.

The 5 million number also suggests that the average client has purchased 5 different tests or upgrades, per kit.  In my case, that’s true because I began purchasing when only the HVR region of mtDNA was available, so I’ve upgraded several times and purchased every test or upgrade Family Tree DNA has ever offered.  All in the unquenchable thirst to learn more about my ancestors.

Congratulations Family Tree DNA on this historic and important milestone.  May your second million happen quickly and include a lot of my relatives:)

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