Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What makes the Basic Haplotype DNA Test different from other ancestry tests available on the market?
The Basic Haplotype DNA Test stands apart due to its focus on analyzing specific haplotypes, which are unique combinations of DNA inherited from a single parent. Unlike broader ancestry tests, our test provides deeper insights into your genetic makeup by pinpointing detailed ancestral origins and migration patterns. This level of specificity offers a more granular look at your genetic history, helping to identify connections to ancient populations that other tests might miss.
I’ve already taken a DNA test with another company. What additional information can the Basic Haplotype DNA Test provide?
If you’ve already undergone DNA testing with another company, our Basic Haplotype DNA Test can still offer significant new insights. Our test focuses on a detailed analysis of your haplotypes, providing information that standard tests do not cover. Importantly, we do not use results from other companies; conducting our test will give you a unique set of data based on our specific testing protocols, ensuring precise and complementary insights into your ancestry that can enhance and refine your understanding of your genealogical connections.
How can understanding my haplotypes help me with my genealogical research?
Understanding your haplotypes can greatly enhance your genealogical research by providing a precise breakdown of your genetic lineages. Haplotypes remain relatively stable over generations, making them a reliable source for tracing ancestry. This can help you identify and confirm relationships and ancestral origins with greater accuracy. Additionally, by knowing your specific haplotypes, you can connect with distant relatives and genetic communities that share similar DNA, thus expanding your family tree and enhancing your cultural and historical understanding.
Is there an upgrade option available for those who already purchased a test from DNA Consultants?
Yes. The Basic Haplotype Test is based on the same DNA profile used for our DNA fingerprint family of tests, so if you have ordered any of these from us in the past you do not have to be re-sampled but can select the Basic Haplotype Test Report-Only Version. This saves you time and money and you can get your results in two weeks (four business days with a rush added).
Can I use my GEDmatch or whole genome results?
No. The Basic Haplotype Test is not compatible. It requires a 16-loci STR profile. It has nothing to do with SNPs or sex-linked data.
How can only a handful of markers yield accurate and meaningful results?
By the law of large numbers, mutational rates and principles of statistics. Even though human DNA is composed of 3.2 million nucleotide positions divided into 24 chromosomes of varying length, your individual autosomal profile with 16 biallelic loci (32 single alleles or haplotypes) is a simple representative profile of your entire genetic inheritance, half coming from your mother, half from your father. Because of the extremely slow rate of mutation, the time depth for analysis of this ancestry is about 5000 to 10,000 years ago. Our forensic database has the desirable statistical qualities of uniformity, comprehensiveness and validity. It contains the reported STR frequencies of nearly 500 populations around the world, virtually the entire universe of possible matches. This allows deductions and perspectives on global biogeographical factors since Earth’s last Ice Age, before recorded history.
Are there any associated products I can order?
Our Rare Genes from History product has a certain amount of overlap with the Basic Haplotype Test. Any Rare Gene from History we detect for you within the basic range will be noted in your haplotype results. An Extended Haplotype Test with 14 loci is planned for 2025. In the meantime, you can commission a Single Haplotype Report for any desired allele of interest in your profile, for instance D3=14 (Scottish?) or FGA=22 (Borneo Dyak?). This will give you a distribution map, top matches and narrative similar to those published on our website for the Helen Gene, King Tut Gene and all other Rare Genes from History. You can also order a Deluxe Certificate with your total haplotype panel or highlighting any individual haplotype.