Ancestry DNA (find, family tree, database, father)

[saralee]

Curious, did any of you receive this announcement from Ancestry about their DNA test? I JUST (today) mailed my test to 23 and me. Results in 2 to 3 weeks supposedly. I am curious as to how this will differ from 23 and me, and Family Tree DNA. I was under the impression that Ancestry owned FTDNA. Guess I was wrong?

My son did the Y-DNA 37 marker for FTDNA. I haven't been able to secure a male relative in my line to do the same test. Maybe this test, here is the answer? Since it is for men AND women? And it's just $99 - like 23 and me. Makes you wonder if FTDNA is going to be forced into bringing down their pricing to maintain competitiveness.

If I read everything correctly, looks like it is being offered to subscribers first. And you must request an invitation.

Any thoughts?

[JennyMominRI]

I'm waiting for my invitation

[MaseMan]

Got the email and requested my invitation yesterday.

[nightbird47]

didn't get one, but the screen pops up when logging on. I am SO tempted. I'm not close enough to any male relatives to do the y chomasome based test so if this is for both sexes it would be so cool.

It says to submit your request but they have so many there will be a delay in getting your kit.

[TribalCat]

I'm waiting on my invitation. I can't wait! I've done the National Geographic's Genographic Project test, but because I'm female, it could only test the mtDNA. I'm hoping the new Ancestry DNA test can give me more information.

[TribalCat]

I just ordered my test. I can't wait to take it and get the results back. So exciting!

[VelcroQueen]

I would LOVE to find out the truth! How do you know to trust the testers? Who does the testing? I've read that a woman's DNA is not the best; a brother should give the specimen. is that true?

I should have read more before jumping right in here, but can someone explain?

[PA2UK]

I don't understand why you wouldn't "trust" the "testers". Samples are processed in a laboratory, by technicians who have university degrees in the subject. What motivation does a lab tech have to not be honest about the results? Or are you worried about them accidentally messing up? Like I say, they are qualified for their positions so it's unlikely - but worse comes to worse, you just have to send another sample.

As for male vs female DNA, I don't know much about it. I think in the past, a woman's DNA could only trace her maternal line and if she wanted her paternal line, she had to ask a male relative like a brother other father. But it looks like Ancestry.com is saying that's no longer the case - I'm not sure how but this is what they say on it:

A DNA test for gentlemen…and ladies.
Our new AncestryDNA test uses some of the latest DNA autosomal testing technology as a more comprehensive way to find family across all lines in your family tree. So one test covers both sides—maternal and paternal—and is equally effective for both men and women.

Looking for our Y-DNA or mtDNA tests? These specialized tests only give you information about either your direct paternal or maternal lines. This means that Y-DNA and mtDNA tests limit the number of ancestors you can learn about.

Without getting too technical, the new test analyzes your autosomal DNA, which includes the entire genome—all 23 pairs of chromosomes—as opposed to only looking at the Y-chromosome or Mitochondrial DNA (which makes other types of tests gender specific or otherwise limited).

Also, the Y-DNA and mtDNA tests look at much smaller amounts of your DNA. For example, YDNA tests only look at about 40 locations whereas AncestryDNA comprehensively looks at the entire genome at over 700,000 locations, all with a simple saliva sample. 40 vs. 700,000? You don’t need to be a scientist to see that this is a huge improvement.

I'm really eager to have it done but they aren't offering it on Ancestry.co.uk which suggests they won't send the kit overseas. I'll have to look into it.

[saralee]

Family Tree DNA and 23 and me are the big boys in this market. Ancestry DNA is jumping in - possibly forcing Family Tree DNA especially, to be more competitive in pricing.

I've tested my son at Family Tree DNA. I tested at 23 and me, still awaiting my results, processing time is 2-3 weeks.

Y-DNA testing is for males exclusively, which is passed down exclusively to men.

mtDNA is for men and women, both genders inherit this from their maternal line.

Then there's autosomal DNA, which is also for men and women, which is good for confirming close relationships (I believe up to 5 generations back), regardless of gender.

Both 23 and me and Family Tree DNA also offer autosomal DNA testing. What Ancestry is doing isn't new.

I went with 23 and me because I wanted the health analysis. Plus, their product line is one packaged, as opposed to being sold individually. I will transfer my results to Family Tree DNA so that I am in both databases, which should generate even more matches for me.

[saralee]

Originally Posted by TribalCat

I just ordered my test. I can't wait to take it and get the results back. So exciting!

You already received your invitation and ordered your test through Ancestry, or another company?