DNA UK FAQs
ProcessWhat is the process?
How long does it take to get my results?
What happens if my sample gets lost?
Will I have to become a paying subscriber of Ancestry.co.uk to view my DNA Results?
Who is The Generations Network, Inc?
Who is Sorenson Genomics?
How do I send my test back free post?
What happens with my results?
When I send back the test who will handle or use the DNA swabs, the resultant test data and any other info about the tests?
Who stores my results?
Can I request for my swabs and results to be destroyed?
Can I choose for my DNA sample that will be used to match against other users to be anonymous?
If I choose to have my DNA tested, will my DNA information be safe from medical insurance companies, the government, etc?
DNA Testing
What is the process?
How do you collect a DNA sample?
How will I know if I match against someone else who has been tested?
What if I already had my DNA tested with another DNA company?
Will having my DNA tested reveal anything about my medical conditions or susceptibility to diseases?
Could I find out things I do not want to?
Terminology
What is the difference in a marker and an allele?
Results Analysis
I do not have any observable difference to the rCRS, can this test be accurate or useful?
Process
What is the process?Simply follow the instructions in the kit.
- Pop your swabs into the DNA Ancestry envelope
- Fill in your details and consent form
- Seal the envelope
- Place the swab envelope in the envelope addressed to DNA Ancestry
- Go to your local Post Office to redeem your postal coupons for stamps
- Pop it into the post. Your kit will be sent directly to Sorenson Genomics lab in the United States for processing.
We endeavour to process these as quickly as possible. You should receive your results within 4-6 weeks of us receiving them, but we cannot guarantee timing.
What happens if my sample gets lost?
You’ll receive an e-mail when your sample arrives at the lab. If at any time you feel your sample might have got lost in the post just call freephone 0800 404 9723 and we’ll send you a replacement kit free of charge.
Will I have to become a paying subscriber of Ancestry.co.uk to view my DNA Results?
No. Once you’ve paid for the DNA Ancestry service, access to Ancestry’s DNA database is at no extra charge to registered users of Ancestry.co.uk. As a registered user , you have access to not only to your DNA results but also to the wealth of free resources and tools available on Ancestry. Should you decide to become a paid subscriber, you will enjoy access to Ancestry's vast database of documents and records.
Who is The Generations Network, Inc?
The Generations Network, Inc is an American company which runs the Ancestry.co.uk and Ancestry.com websites, and which provides the DNA Ancestry services to customers in the UK and elsewhere. The Generations Network, Inc can be contacted at 360 W 4800 N Provo, UT 84604, USA or freephone on 0800 404 9723.
Who is Sorenson Genomics?
Sorenson Genomics (http://www.sorensongenomics.com) is a best-in-class genetic testing laboratory certified to ISO 17025 and accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. It was the world's first laboratory accredited for genetic genealogy testing services. A pioneer in the relatively new science of genetic genealogy, Sorenson Genomics has provided genetic testing solutions to help genealogists extend branches of family trees since 2001. The company administered the DNA testing for PBS's widely acclaimed series "African American Lives," which traced the roots of icons Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones and others. Through its independent business units GeneTree and Sorenson Forensics, Sorenson Genomics provides a wide spectrum of contract services to clients throughout the world, including DNA extraction and purification; DNA sequencing and genotyping; forensic DNA casework; disaster victim identification; ancestral and population assessment, and custom test development.
How do I send my test back free post?
You will find 2 Postal Coupons inside your DNA pack. These coupons enable you to post your test to the USA free of charge. To redeem the postage from your coupon please go to your local Post Office where they will exchange it for stamps. If you or the Post Office require any further information, please visit the Royal Mail site.
What happens with my results?
When I send back the test who will handle or use the DNA swabs, the resultant test data and any other info about the tests?The swabs will be returned directly to Sorenson Genomics in the United States for processing. DNA Ancestry has a secure interface directly to their systems to transfer results to DNA Ancestry, also located in the United States.
Who stores my results?
The swabs are stored in dry storage at Sorenson Genomics in a secure location and could last for 10-20 years. Swabs are retained in dry storage for future test upgrades or future new tests as the technology improves. Ancestry will store the results on computers in the US. However, you will have access to your data anywhere in the world by logging on to DNA Ancestry with your username and password.
Can I request for my swabs and results to be destroyed?
Yes. Please call 0800 404 9723 and request your DNA sample and results to be destroyed.
Can I choose for my DNA sample that will be used to match against other users to be anonymous?
Yes. The default setting is public – i.e. allowing other Ancestry users to see your name when a match with their DNA results is found. You can change your privacy settings to be completely anonymous by going to the “My DNA” section. Your data will still be in the database to match against – it will just show anonymous. If however you want it removed, please just call us freephone on 0800 404 9723.
Your privacy is also protected by using Ancestry’s Connection Service to contact other DNA participants. The Connection Service allows you to send an e-mail to a potential genetic relative without revealing your own e-mail address. Instead, the message is sent through Ancestry and the system transfers the message to your e-mail address without revealing your actual address. Replies can also be made through the Connection Service until you feel you wish to make direct e-mail contact with the other party.
If I choose to have my DNA tested, will my DNA information be safe from medical insurance companies, the government, etc?
The sections of DNA tested contain NO medically relevant information. Your DNA test will not identify you as a unique individual, but as part of a family line. Ancestry will not share your testing results with other organisations without your consent or a warrant or court order requiring Ancestry to disclose it. In addition, as with all user submitted content Ancestry gives you control over your privacy settings that determine whether your information is public or anonymous.
DNA Testing
How do you collect a DNA sample?Collecting a DNA sample is easy and painless. Simply swab the inside of your mouth to collect cheek cells and return the swabs to DNA Ancestry. Within a few weeks, your results will be ready.
How will I know if I match against someone else who has been tested?
DNA Ancestry will automatically notify you of new close database matches. An opportunity to collaborate with your new genetic cousin depends on the level of participation you choose. You may elect to share only your contact name with others or simply to be anonymous. These preferences are available under "My DNA".
What if I already had my DNA tested with another DNA company?
Ancestry will support DNA results provided by other DNA testing companies. While other companies may not test the exact same markers, you can add your results and compare them with others in the Ancestry DNA database. You can do this by clicking on the Enter your test results from Family Tree DNA and others link on www.dnaancestry.co.uk
Will having my DNA tested reveal anything about my medical conditions or susceptibility to diseases?
The sections of DNA tested contain NO medically relevant information. Your DNA test will not identify you as a unique individual, but as part of a family line. DNA testing conducted for genealogical purposes reveals family relatedness and currently does not provide definitive conclusions regarding a propensity toward disease or other medical conditions. In any case, Ancestry will not share your testing results with other organisations without your consent or a warrant or court order requiring Ancestry to disclose it. In addition, as with all user submitted content Ancestry.com gives you control over your privacy settings, which determine whether your information is public or anonymous.
Could I find out things I do not want to?
We expect most users to obtain fascinating results as to their ancestral origins and potential relations (where a match on our database is found), which will speed up and expand their family history research. However, it is possible that in some cases database matches could reveal close relations (for instance siblings or cousins) who you did not know existed, and it is possible that this knowledge could cause embarrassment or distress.
Terminology
What is the difference in a marker and an allele?The particular region of the DNA that is analyzed is often referred to as a locus or marker. It can be thought of as the address on the chromosome for example, DYS 441. The value detected at the marker is the allele value. For example, a segment repeated 15 times at marker DYS441 is written as (marker) DYS441 (allele) 15.
When comparing multiple individuals to determine if a common ancestor is shared, the allele values of each of the markers tested are compared.
Results Analysis
I do not have any observable difference to the rCRS, can this test be accurate or useful?Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was first sequenced in 1981 by Frederick Sanger in Cambridge, England and subsequently revised and published as the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS). A group under Dr. Sanger sequenced the mitochondrial genome of one individual of European descent. The rCRS has become the reference standard against which all mtDNA sequences are compared. Having no differences from the rCRS is just as useful as having multiple differences. If the CRS had been created using a person of African or Asian descent, then your observable differences would be different. Having no differences from the rCRS helps narrow down maternal lineages and haplogroups.
