Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I test with AfricanDNA?
- AfricanDNA was inspired by the success of the PBS Special African American Lives
(PBS February 2006) and Oprah's Roots (PBS February 2007). The experiences gained
from the production of these shows and the scientific contacts created means that
AfricanDNA has the greatest opportunity to provide the African American community
the best results at the best price.
- AfricanDNA was founded by the foremost authority in African History in the USA,
Prof. Henry Gates Jr., who is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard,
the Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute, and the President of the Inkwell Foundation.
- AfricanDNA is also affiliated with Family Tree DNA, the pioneer in the field of
Genetic Genealogy, which will allow you to be compared to the largest DNA databases
in the world.
- AfricanDNA is the only company to offer a one-stop solution for your genealogy,
offering not only DNA testing but also genealogical research.
- AfricanDNA offers the most competitive prices of all DNA testing companies.
Who should I test?
If you are male, you can trace your father's father's father's (etc) line and your
mother's mother's mother's (etc) line. If you are female, you can trace your mother's
mother's mother's (etc) line. If the ancestor you want to trace is not on either
of these lines, then you should find an appropriate relative to provide the sample
for the test. If the ancestor you are interested in tracing is male, you should
test a relative who is that ancestor's son's son's (etc) living son. If the ancestor
is female, you should test a relative who is that ancestor's daughter's daughter's
(etc) living child. Test the Y-DNA to trace the paternal line or the mtDNA to trace
the maternal line. Please note that none of those lines will include information
from any of the spouses along the lines
Can these tests identify my tribal origins?
No, DNA testing cannot definitively identify a tribal origin because there are not
enough samples tested from the native populations, which can point clearly to each
tribe, and because many results can be found in multiple tribes and regions. However,
by comparing your results with results from research databases we can tell you the
tribal information of those who have the same results as you. In this way we can
tell you what tribes, regions, and populations you share common ancestry with. We
also update this comparative analysis whenever new results are added to the database
as research and testing continue.
Will this test tell me if I have non-African ancestry?
Yes. Both the Y-DNA and the mtDNA tests will identify what the origins are of your
paternal or maternal lineages, whether they are African or Native American, European
or Asian. Please note that it will tell you just about the line that is being tested,
without influence from spouses along that line. Your results are also compared against
a worldwide database of customers and research participants.
Will these tests tell me percentages?
No, these tests trace very specific lines in your family tree. The Y-DNA test traces
your father's father's father's (etc) lineage, and the mtDNA test traces your mother's
mother's mother's (etc) lineage. Because each test traces one specific lineage,
each result reflects the origin of that one lineage. Testing lineages allows us
to trace much further back in the family tree and to compare results with population
groups around the world to identify more details about your origins on these lines.
How many generations ago does it trace?
These tests trace both recent and very distant ancestry. All Y-DNA lineages from
around the world can be traced to a single man who lived in Africa about 60,000
years ago, and all mtDNA lineages can be traced to a single woman who lived in Africa
about 150,000 years ago. Your specific results can also be compared with the database
to look for individuals with whom you share common ancestry within the last few
centuries and, sometimes, generations.
Will this test reveal any medical information?
No, we test regions of the DNA that fill the space between the actual genes. The
DNA results do not correspond to any medical or physiological conditions.
How is your test different from a paternity test?
Paternity tests use DNA that is individually identifying but not useful for tracing
ancestral lineages or origins. Y-DNA and mtDNA tests trace specific lineages, but
do not identify the specific relationship between immediate family members.
What are the prices for these tests?
The Y/CS25 for Y-DNA is $189 and includes 25 markers and guaranteed placement of
your Y chromosome on the "tree" of mankind
The mtDNA is $189 and includes a sequence of the HVR1 and HVR2 as well as testing
for 22 mutations to place your mtDNA on the mitochondrial "tree" of mankind.
Genealogy Research prices start at $1088
Is it possible to pay for a test to be sent to another
person (third-party billing)?
Yes. In the ordering process there are two screens. The first screen is to enter
the information about the person that will do test. When you advance to the second
screen, you can enter the billing information if it is different from the individual
that is being tested.
How do I place an order for someone else?
1. Make sure you put in the name of the actual test taker in the first screen of
the ordering process.
2. Enter the address the kit and the results will be mailed to. If this is not the
address of the test taker put "c/o" the person receiving the kit, on the first address
line. You can enter the address on the second line.
3. If you want the kit sent to one address and the results sent to another address
enter the address you want the kit sent to. Once the test taker has received the
kit and returned it to our office you may change the address to the one you want
the results sent to.
4. Enter the phone number you wish to use as the contact number for this kit.
5. Enter the email address(es) you want to be notified of the order and the results.
You may enter more than one email address.
6. Once you have filled out the information on this page click "Continue" and fill
out the billing information. Your order will not be processed until you hit the
"Confirm" button.
How is the sample collected?
After you have placed your order, a genetic test kit and instructions will be mailed
to you. The kit consists of a set of cheek swabs. The sample is collected by rubbing
the swab in the inside of the cheek, following the instructions provided with the
kit. No blood is required, and there is no need to go to a lab or medical professional
to perform the test.
How long will it take for me to get my results?
Once your sample is received, results generally are complete within 3 to 5 weeks.
We will send you a notification email when we receive your samples, provide you
with a target date for delivery of results, and notify you by email when the results
are complete.
What do you do with the results of the tests?
Results will be placed in our secure, private and confidential database. For a better
understanding of the privacy and confidentiality commitment of AfricanDNA, please
see our privacy policy.
What does the lab do with my sample once my test is complete?
The DNA extracted from your sample is kept by the lab for a period of 25 years for
your exclusive use. It is important to note that AfricanDNA adopts a "double safety
net" in regard to your sample: Arizona Research Labs at the campus of the University
of Arizona keeps the DNA associated to a number and not a name, while AfricanDNA
offices keep the database with no access to the actual sample.
How private/confidential are these results?
Your privacy is assured because the testing facility will not have access to your
name. Only your unique number will accompany your collection tube to the testing
lab. The computer-generated number is the only information about you that the testing
facility will see. Once your test has been completed, the results will be entered
in a secure database. No specific information about you will be publicly available
at the web site. If you sign the release form, we will share your name and email
address with and only with other individuals whom you match.
Can I order any other tests once these tests are complete?
Yes. AfricanDNA customers can order additional AfricanDNA testing or, if they would
like to upgrade their tests beyond what AfricanDNA offers, customers can order any
upgrades offered by Family Tree DNA.
What is AfricanDNA's refund policy?
If a kit is ordered, paid for and unused, we will give a full refund minus the credit
card charges and the cost of the kit (for safety reasons a kit that leaves our office
cannot be restocked). Those deductions are $10 for orders under $150, $15 for orders
from $151 to $250 and $25 for orders from $251 to $500. We do not provide refunds
after kits enter lab processing. Delays in processing a scientific test can happen,
and therefore we do not provide refunds in case of delays in reporting results.