I received my DNA testing kit yesterday, so it's now time for part 2 of this little series. If you are new to the blog, click the link to read DNA Ancestry Review Part 1. The real purpose of this little exercise is to 
compare DNA Ancestry's test with the test I took about a year ago with Family Tree DNA (click the link to read my review of that experience). I ordered the DNA testing kit on 10 October, received a notice telling me it was shipped on 11 October, and received it on 20 October. I could have received the testing kit quicker if I selected a speedier delivery (at additional cost of course), but I went with the $4 standard shipping.
The DNA Ancestry test kit is a little different from what I received from Family Tree DNA. Family Tree DNA used little toothbrush like instruments to collect samples from the inside of your cheeks. DNA Ancestry uses plain old cotton swabs like doctors use to test for strep throat (the technical name for these are GeneSwab (TM) DNA collection utensils). I like the cotton swabs better because when I collected samples a year ago using the Family Tree DNA materials, they came out a little bloody and the inside of my cheek was a bit raw...I think I was a little too enthusiastic the first time around. Click the photo on the left and you will see the complete test kit DNA Ancestry sent me.
The instructions are pretty easy to follow. The first step is "prepare to collect." This just explains how to get started beginning with waiting until 30 minutes after your last meal, and instructs you to read the consent agreement. The consent agreement covers the voluntarily nature of the test; sending the sample means you agree with the consent agreement; there's no guaranteed turn-around time for the tests; the test may or may not show any biological relationships; and says you agree the company is not responsible for anything based on the "consequences of the result." I had the turn-around time in my first post wrong - the consent agreement says the test should be complete within 4 weeks instead of 2.
The next step in to "collect the DNA sample." The instructions say to first swab the left side of your inner cheek using the first swab, the right side using the second swab, and the inner front of your mouth using the third swab. In this step they make sure you understand the kit is only for one person who must use all three swabs. It goes on to say "DO NOT return samples from more than one person in a single envelope." I imagine they make this statement because some silly person probably thought they'd save some money by using the swabs on more than one person...I wonder what kind of result they got? Finally, they recommend leaving the collection envelope open for about 30 minutes to allow the swabs to dry.
The last step is to put the collection envelope into the pre-addressed (postage paid) envelope and send it in. I will put mine in the mail tomorrow (22 Oct) and hopefully four weeks later I will have the results. Part 3 of this series will focus on a comparison of the DNA Ancestry results with those I received from Family Tree DNA a year ago.
DNAAncestry.ae in dubai is also offering the same test.
Posted by: healthcareME | January 09, 2008 at 03:04 AM
Janice - I am too...I hope the results look the same. If they don't, not sure what I'll do.
Tim
Posted by: Tim Agazio | October 28, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Wow, fascinating. I'm very interested in seeing how the two company DNA test results compare with each other.
J
Posted by: Janice Brown | October 28, 2007 at 10:44 AM