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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2011-01 > 1294275069


From: "Debbie Kennett" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Recommendations for DNA testing
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2011 00:51:09 -0000
References: <5F3B12A4D09E4D70AF3C541871E0610D@NEWGAMES><001e01cbaabb$56d99f20$048cdd60$@dgmweb.net><DD790F8C0FD347BEBAF1382ABD84740F@JohnPC><AANLkTikbhyxiO6dMmsRqDJa06Ndu5=iS9PwWkxg6+C6k@mail.gmail.com><96275237-1E93-4727-9884-3A39F35DFE88@vizachero.com><AANLkTikLydTUhjLtwdo=+mh0N-7kaSosMQy2BPe3N3T2@mail.gmail.com><BA5BD49888314B158D17B42DF716178F@NEWGAMES><AANLkTinfHkoQS=5RfCOXed_fk8PypKQ1eAs22gYH8Uwp@mail.gmail.com><7638B067C67844DABB0485BCEB7C84C7@NEWGAMES><AANLkTinHP1QZGayyo3ym+SqA+tAF448hfFwBNjCqs-0o@mail.gmail.com><00DCBAB1E83F409EABF6BABA922BB841@NEWGAMES><AANLkTinJYpR4eZkV3rn-NEqaT5CWSNf-LPhjgLiT29dU@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTinJYpR4eZkV3rn-NEqaT5CWSNf-LPhjgLiT29dU@mail.gmail.com>


Bob

It all depends on what people want to use a DNA test for. The FGS is still
comparatively expensive, but a combined HVR1 and HVR2 test can sometimes
have a genealogical application. I would suggest you refer people to the
ISOGG chart so that they know what they are getting for their money:

http://www.isogg.org/mtdnachart.htm

I see no point in anyone taking a basic HVR mtDNA test if the haplogroup is
not confirmed by SNP testing.

If someone just wants to know their mtDNA haplogroup then the 23andMe test
will suffice but it won't allow anyone to search databases for matches on
the maternal line for genealogical purposes.

It is very useful to have results corroborated by cross-testing with
different companies, and it is very helpful that some people have been able
to do this to provide an extra check. Errors will inevitably occur,
especially as the technology is still in its infancy. It's how the companies
deal with those errors and the level of customer service that's important.

I've just discovered too that I made an error in my earlier posting. 23andMe
actually includes 3,000 SNPs in their test not 2,000. It may well be that
more mtDNA SNPs are included on the new platform to enable them to refine
their mtDNA haplogroup predictions. It's not just a question of algorithms.
If the relevant SNPs for a particular subclade are not included on the chip
it might not be possible to confirm the haplogroup.

Debbie Kennett


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