WEST Family DNA Project
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).What do I learn about my genealogy from a DNA test?
The value of DNA testing for genealogy lies in the comparison of DNA from different individuals. The DNA from your line will be compared with the DNA from other WESTs in our project (and other surnames as well). When a DNA match is found, we have a high degree of confidence that the two lines are descended from a common ancestor. Each individual may have information that the other did not possess. You may match someone who has their ancestry documented several generations further back than you. The DNA test will not tell you who your ancestor was, or when or where he lived.Who does the testing?
We have chosen Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) as our testing company.
The laboratory that performs the test is at the University of Arizona.How much does it cost?
Which test should I choose?We are getting a discount for a group project, $99 for the 12 marker test; $148 for the 25 marker test; $189 for the 37 marker test; $269 for the 67 marker test.
The greater the number of markers, the more definitive the test becomes. As more people are tested, it becomes more likely that DNA matches based on a small number of markers will be found. One of our participants has exact matches to over 700 people with surnames other than WEST on the 12 marker test. He has no reason to believe that he is related to any of those individuals within a genealogical time frame. We have found that the 12 marker test is not adequate to determine relationships, except in a very few cases. The 67 marker test is 'best', simply because more markers are tested. However, we have been able to get adequate resolution with the 25 and 37 marker test, and are recommending that participants begin with one of those. Once the DNA sample is submitted, upgrades or additional tests can be ordered at a later date without submitting another sample.How do I get a DNA sample?
The DNA test kit contains swabs that you use to wipe the inside of the cheek. It is less painful than brushing your teeth, and completed in the comfort of your home. Go to this site, DorseyDNA to see photos of Bob Dorsey collecting his DNA for the Dorsey surname project.Who can participate in this project?
Males with the surname WEST, or a related surname that may have evolved from or to WEST (Westerman, Wieste, Western, Westh, etc) are encouraged to join our project. Or, in the case of a surname change, someone whose direct paternal ancestor had the WEST surname.Why only males, and what if I have no male WESTs in my line?
The test analyzes DNA from the y-chromosome, the factor that determines whether a child is male or female. The y-chromosome is passed from father to son without change for generations. Daughters get an x-chromosome from their father. We have added a chart and explanation of what determines the sex of a child, and how the Y chromosome is inherited. If your WEST ancestor was female and she had brothers or uncles with the WEST surname, try to locate a living male WEST from those relatives and encourage him to participate in the project.Can women have their DNA tested for genealogy research?
Yes. Mitochondrial DNA, abbreviated mtDNA, is passed from the mother to all of her children, male and female. Children get NO mtDNA from their father. mtDNA is being used for genealogy research. One of the problems with mtDNA for genealogy is that we have lost the surnames of many of our female ancestors. Most people cannot trace their maternal lines as far back as their paternal lines.What about the privacy of my DNA test results?
Family Tree DNA has a very rigid policy to insure the result of a DNA test will only be released on the authorization of the individual tested. You can read this policy on their webpage. We will adhere to that policy in our surname project.How can I participate in this project?
Click here. Complete the form, then click on join.
More questions? Send me an email , I will try to answer them, or find a real expert for you.
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