How FamilyTree DNA Protects Your Privacy
FamilyTree DNA has an excellent data protection record. They allow you to choose how your genetic information is used and what can be shared with others. All data is stored under industry-standard security practices: your DNA sample, your DNA results, and other personal details that are required to open an account with them. As well, samples and results are stored with a specific system that is not readily identifiable, i.e., no names on your vials.
No information is shared with third parties unless it's required by a valid subpoena, a court order, or your explicit consent. Family Tree DNA does allow law enforcement to search its database in very limited situations. You can, however, opt-out of all Law Enforcement Matching in your Account Settings. The Privacy Statement is available on the company’s website for further review.
If you select FamilyTree DNA to research your history, you won't need to worry at all about your privacy. It is well secured, and you can rest at ease knowing this.
FamilyTree DNA Prices and Details
As mentioned above, the company offers affordable prices and seasonal discounts. With regular prices starting at just $79 it's an excellent value for money. The company frequently provides deals depending on seasons where you can take advantage of getting a better price. Let’s delve into the details of each package now.
Family Ancestry
The Family Finder testis usually priced at $79, but it may sometimes be sale-priced for less. Let’s take a look at what that price gets you:
- Percentage breakdown of your genetic origins
- Match with your DNA relatives and have the chance to connect with them
- Understand your potential connection with ancient European groups
- Comparison of your DNA with analysis of segments matching with others
This pack is ideal for those who seek knowledge about their history and genetic makeup, and could also give you the chance to find long lost family members.
Paternal Ancestry
This test is only available for men with three options available.
The first test is named Y-37 and costs $119. This test looks at 37 STR's, as we mentioned earlier. It's the perfect choice for those wanting a reasonable amount of detail in their results.
If you're looking to dig deeper, you can go for the Y-111 package, which is priced at $249.This option looks at 111 STR's, and the results are much more detailed. An upgrade to Y-111 is especially useful for men who get a large number of matches at 37 markers. Testing additional markers makes your matching more precise and can tell you which of your matches are really the closest.
The expert level provides you with the most detail and is for people who are serious about knowing everything they can about their paternal line ancestry. Big Y-700 looks at 700 STR's and 200,000 SNPs (Single nucleotide polymorphisms). It's priced at $449, which for the detail provided, is a fantastic value.
- An in-depth look at your paternal lineage
- The only Y-DNA tests that compare your Y-DNA with that of other testers to find paternal relatives
- Access to male ancestors migration paths
- Find out where your surname comes from and trace your family tree to the routes
- Big Y-700 - analyzes 700 STR's and 200k SNP's
- Y-111 - analyzes 111 STR's
- Y-37 - analyzes 37 STR's
These options are for those seeking a better understanding of their male family history through the paternal line. It can give you new connections and a deep understanding of your roots. Depending on the option you choose, you can learn everything you need to know about your paternal DNA history.
Maternal Ancestry
The maternal ancestry test is priced at $199. It’s the only mtDNA test that checks 100% of your mitochondrial DNA and provides you with the following insights:
- The only mtDNA test that compares your mitochondrial DNA with that of other testers to find maternal relatives
- A more precise determination of your maternal haplogroup than other tests
- Full understanding of maternal family members migration paths
- Personalized mtDNA explanation video with each test
This option gives you the most detail about the maternal side of your family history. It’s perfect for those who want a full understanding of their maternal line and genetic history.
Note: Some autosomal DNA tests, such as 23andMe, also check a small amount of mitochondrial DNA and (for males) a small amount of Y-DNA. This is enough to define your base haplogroups for ancient ancestry purposes. But Family Tree DNA mitochondrial and Y-DNA tests check a lot more of these DNA types. Their tests define your haplogroups more precisely and these are the only tests that specifically compare such DNA data with others to give you genetic matches directly on your paternal and maternal lines.
Summary
FamilyTree DNA is the oldest company in the industry. Having their high tech lab and taking good care of your data privacy, it is a great option to get your ancestry tests underway. Their experts guarantee accurate results that you can match with other family members who have taken the tests.
Furthermore, the possibility to add-on or upgrade your account allows you to start on a smaller investment and build upon it later on. When you order your first test, they will freeze part of your sample and attempt to save it for up to 25 years. That makes it possible to order future tests without submitting a new sample. Besides saving time, it can be a critically important consideration, especially for your older relatives.
FamilyTree DNA is a great option to begin building the history of your family from generations back and save it for future generations, as part of your family heritage.
