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Retesting at Family Tree DNA

 
There are many testing companies offering DNA testing for genealogy these days.  Many have beautifully done websites, but have little structure and few projects.  If you tested at one of these companies with the lovely website, you probably were asking - "What now?" as soon as you received your resultsi.  And - then, you were told - "Join your surname project!".  And - you probably found that your surname project is based at FTDNAi. 
 
FTDNA doesn't have a fancy website - but they do have most of the dna results for those focused on genealogy and nearly all of the projects supporting genealogy research. 
 
  • The most important aspect of using DNA in genealogy is to compare with others who have tested - as the true learning about our ancestry comes from those whom we match.
     
  • The best way to find your matches is through your own surname project. 
     
Here is a summary we've compiled to answer "Why should I retest at FTDNA instead of simply providing my results to add to the project Results table":
 


Reasons for Retesting at FTDNA when you were tested somewhere else:
  • Full privileges in your Surname Project
    • Direct comparison to all in your surname project
    • Only way to be included in the results when the project uses FTDNA's project site
    • Only way to be included in FTDNA’s internal database
    • Largest genealogy database – by far – as FTDNA has been providing over 90% of genealogy tests
    • Allows you direct comparison to all results in your project(s)
    • Allows you to “opt-in” and directly compare your results with all who also opted-in
    • Allows those who “opt-in” to compare their results with you
    • Provides direct email access for you to anyone that is identified as your genetic match
    • Covers both yDNA and mtDNAi
  • Facilitates membership in multiple projects (you have direct comparison in eachwith no additional testing and at no extra charge.)  You are allowed to be in:
    • Up to two Surname projects
    • A geographic project
    • A y-haplogroupi project (if you are yDNA tested)
    • A mt-haplogroup project (if you are mtDNA tested)
  • Guaranteed retention of your test sample for 25 years
    • Order additional tests, using your initial sample
    • Ability to test the most yDNA markers available at one company (over 100 at last count)
    • Ability to order additionalSNP tests toget even more precision
    • Ability to order the most complete set of options for mtDNA testing offered anywhere
    • Ability to order up to 25 autosomal (forensic) markers
    • Ability to order up to 16 X-STRi markers
  • Important Features:
    • Only company to offer the SNPi Assurance Program: if no backbone Haplogroup can be estimated with 100% certainty, FTDNA will SNP test your sample for free
    • Automated upload to the largest public dna database at www.ysearch.org
    • Ability to upload your gedcom – which is only available to those who match you
    • Insight into the recent ancestral origins of those you match (and nearly match) – both yDNA & mtDNA
    • Pay for your test when you return the kit (free replacement kits if lost)
       
FTDNA has put their special order page back up. 
Pricing for testing at FTDNA (if you have already been tested at some other commercial lab):
  • 12 markers $59     (savings $40)
  • 25 markers $89     (savings $40 + $20 = $60)
  • 37 markers $119   (savings $40 + $20 + $20 = $80 over incremental upgrades - or $70 over initial 37 marker order)
  • Note: Add $2 for domestic s/h and $4 for international s/h