Vendor Selection
Selecting a vendor for your DNA test or Surname Project is a crucial first step in learning who your ancient ancestors were and who your modern cousins are today. Often, the vendor selected will determine the success of your project (and maybe the accuracy of your own individual test). If you are a participant, the vendor selected may determine whether you find matches and whether you maximize your investment in DNA testing, based on the size of the vendor's database.
I've seen a number of participants tested by other companies who have been catagorized within incorrect genetic haplogroups, even when the individual's markers were confirmed and re-confirmed (this is especially important if you're more interested in your deep or more ancient ancestry). Every provider will make mistakes, but such things are common place when genetics is not truly a company's expertise or its primary focus. So YES, vendor selection is critical!
Why test with Family Tree DNA?
Other than the cost of the test, all the following services are provided FOR FREE at Family Tree DNA.
- You will be included in the largest Y-DNA and mtDNA databases in the world.
- You have total control over whether you compare your results only within your project or against the entire database.
- The names and email addresses of your genetic matches are provided so that you may contact them.
- Personal phone and e-mail support is provided by qualified personnel. Both the phones and email messages are answered by a human being and not by an automated response system.
- Family Tree DNA is the only service which has a calculator, created by our population geneticist, that provides you with the likelihood of sharing a common ancestor with your genetic match within a certain time frame.
- Family Tree DNA allows you to join, leave, and be part of multiple Projects at the same time, without any additional testing or cost.
- As additional people test, your result will be matched against them and in case of a match, you will be immediately notified by e-mail.
- Family Tree DNA allows you continued access to your account, projects, and matches without additional testing, cost or subscription fees.
- Family Tree DNA is the only company that stores your DNA for 25 years allowing you to order additional tests using the original sample.
- Family Tree DNA is the only company to offer the SNP Assurance Program: if no ancestral haplogroup can be estimated with 100% certainty, FTDNA will SNP test your sample for free.
- Family Tree DNA is the only DNA testing service that partners with National Geographic’s Genographic Project and allows you to add your results to that project for a nominal fee that goes to the Genographic Legacy Fund.
