FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who is EthnoAncestry?
What tests do you offer?
Can you give me some technical details on your Deep Haplogroup test?
Can you give me some technical details on your Custom SNP test?
Why is there a one-time DNA Extraction Fee?
What happens after I order a test?
How do I supply a DNA sample?
What is the turnaround time on your tests?
What does my DNA test report look like?
Do you provide interpretation of results?
Can my results be used to determine medical conditions?
What is your privacy policy?
Terms and conditions?

1) Who is EthnoAncestry? We are an innovative new company dedicated to developing genetic markers and tests to help you in your deep and recent ancestry research. See About us for details.

2) What tests do you offer? We offer tests of paternal and maternal genetic ancestry. Some products are tailored to finding out about your deep ancestry, thousands of years ago, others to help understand your genealogy, for instance by checking if two people with the same surname are a ‘genetic match’. See our Products page for information.

3) Can you give me some technical details on your Haplogroup subgroup tests? The Haplogroup subgroup tests use either direct sequencing of known SNP locations or a technique known as TaqMan in which different genetic types are tagged with different coloured dyes for detection. We use a "tree approach" to testing for some haplogroups. For example not every possible SNP in Haplogroup J is tested. As each person can only be in one group, it is possible to chose which SNPs to test following the Y chromosome tree on the basis of the previous round of results. See our Products page for a list of SNPs and and their corresponding haplogroups.

4) Can you give me some technical details on your Custom SNP test? The Custom SNP test uses direct sequencing or TaqMan of known SNP locations to determine the presence of SNPs. However, we limit the search to just those SNPs that you specify. See our Custom SNP page for a list of SNPs and and their corresponding haplogroups.

5) Why is there a DNA Extraction Fee? DNA extraction fees are the norm at most DNA labs. Some DNA testing companies hide the extraction fee in general pricing. EthnoAncestry separates this cost out allowing cheaper testing down the line. Once your DNA has been extracted, it will remain in safe and secure storage with our lab in London and can then be used for new Subgroup, Custom, or STR tests. Note that Ethnoancestry Multiplex customers (this product is now discontinued) are required to purchase a new DNA extraction as the extraction process used by Marligen is different to that used by our lab in London. Previous interpretation-only customers also have to purchase a DNA extraction once.

6) What happens after I order a test? After you place an order you will immediately receive an email confirming your order. If you are a first-time customer EthnoAncestry will ship a DNA extraction kit to you. This normally takes 2-3 working days for UK customers, 3-10 working days for EU customers and up to 15 working days for customers outside Europe. You will receive an email notifying you that your kit has been shipped. You will then return this kit to our lab in London via the postal system. You will be notified via email when your sample arrives safely in London. Note the customer is responsible for ordering the correct test. EthnoAncestry will guide customers in selecting the most suitable test but are not responsible for incorrectly placed orders.

7) How do I supply a DNA sample? The DNA extraction kit we ship to you contains a small vial of a harmless preservative solution. All you need to do is rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water (to remove any food particles) then provide a saliva sample to the tube. The preservative solution will keep your saliva sample in good condition until it reaches our lab in London. The DNA provided by this process is of the very highest quality and ensures fast and reliable results for whatever testing you decide to have undertaken.

8) What is the turnaround time on your tests? Lab-based tests take a varying amount of time depending on the exact test ordered and the number of orders at the lab. Eight-twelve week turnaround times (from receipt of your sample at the lab) are the norm but testing can sometimes take longer.

The procedure from receipt of your DNA samples is as follows:

a) DNA extraction - this is where we purify and store your DNA ,

b) DNA sequence reactions - this is where we prepare reactions to sequence and/or analyse your DNA,

c) DNA sequence analysis - this is where we run the result of your sequence reaction on machines that provide us with information on your DNA,

d) Interpretation and returning of results - this is where we interpret your DNA sequence information and return your result as an official certificate. Note that low throughput testing such as particular custom select SNPs are more prone to delays as they require more 'hands on' time in the lab.

9) What does my DNA test report look like? Our electronic pdf certificates for Haploview and mtDNA tests are emailed to you, which contain both your individual marker results as well as a map showing where your type is found in the world, with some interpretation of your genetic history. Y-SNP and mtDNA subgroup as well as custom SNP test customers will receive a PDF detailing their individual marker results.

10) Do you provide interpretation of results? Our Haploview and mtDNA test results include interpretation, however the more advanced tests (Y-SNPs and mtDNA subgroup tests) do not, in common with the majority of other companies. Our links page can direct you to a wealth of information which will help you to interpret your results in more detail.

11) Can my results be used to determine medical conditions? EthnoAncestry does not test any DNA marker that are associated with any known medical condition.

12) What is your privacy policy? Your personal information and results will be kept completely confidential, and never shared with outside parties.

Any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us!