THE MANGUM & RELATED SURNAMES DNA PROJECT

2. Why would I want to take a genetic test?
FTDNA's service was created for the serious amateur and the professional genealogists who wish to extend their family trees by confirming a link where no conventional source records exist. In some cases tests can also be used to determine if a person is part of a larger group of people: for example, Jews will be able to confirm they are of Cohanim lineage. FTDNA's tests are also perfect for individuals who want to perform Surname-based family tree reconstruction projects.

3. How much does the test costs as offered by Family Tree DNA?
When testing in a group, such as our Mangum Surname Group, the costs are much lower than for individual testing. The lowest cost 12-marker test is $99.00 plus shipping. The 111 marker tests is $339 at this writing However, recent special promotions have made some of the advanced marker test (25, 37 67 & 111) much cheaper!

4. What do you do with the results of the test?
Results will be placed in a secure, private and confidential database that only the person tested and the administrator (me) can see. With the person tested's specific permission, his name and e-mail will be made available to others he matches, and he will be able to see those matches as well.

5. How is your test different from a paternity test?
Family Tree DNA's primary test (12 markers) attempts to determine if 2 people had a common ancestor in a genealogical time frame, that is, after about 1400 AD. The higher resolution tests (25 & 36 markers) tries to narrow the time frame of that common ancestor down to just a few generations. Their specific purpose is to help recreate lost family links. FTDNA tests are for genealogy NOT for paternity, alimony or other legal purposes. Those purposes require a different DNA testing methodology. Note: No medical information (such as disease susceptibility) is possible with these tests. These are not genes being tested, just areas on the Y-Chromosome that seemingly perform no bodily function. These areas are often called 'Junk' DNA.

7. How is the test performed?
Your genetic test kit consists of a cheek scraper and a collection tube. In about five minutes, you will be able to read the instructions and perform a painless cheek scraping. The effect of using the scraper is about the same as brushing your cheek with a soft bristle toothbrush. A backup scraper & tube is included to insure that a good sample is obtained by our lab. You should use them both!

8. Then what happens?
After you have placed your order, a genetic test kit and instructions will be mailed to you. Upon its' return your genetic sample will be processed, and the results will be entered into FTDNA'S secure, private and confidential non-web-based genetic library. A comparison between your specific genetic markers and those of others in the database will then be performed and you will be notified if another person matches your results perfectly. From the time you return the two specimens to us it will take approximately seven weeks to test your DNA sample, analyze the specimens and compare the results to data in the existing genetic library.

11. If the marker analysis shows that I carry a problematic gene, will I be informed?
No. FTDNA won't know if you show positive for a disease, as they are only testing your DNA to look at 12 or 25 specific Loci on the Y Chromosome. These loci are not genes and therefore they do not control nor affect in any way any bodily function.

12. I am researching a family with many distinct branches. How many people from each branch should I use?
This is an important and very practical question that speaks to the heart of genealogical testing and research. The chance that a match does not exist due to infidelity or unreported adoptions occurs 2%-5% of the time per generation. For families trying to do family reconstruction, it is prudent to test 2 different known male cousins from each different branch. In cases of unexpected results, FTDNA will retest at no charge to confirm that a lab error is not an issue.

13. I am female and another potential relative is male. How can we make a DNA connection using Family Tree DNA?
There are two ways to answer this genealogical question. Ideally a match would best be done by testing a known male member of your biological family, (brother, father or first cousin), against the potential male relative. This is FTDNA's Relative Match or Y chromosome test and would allow them to also search for the Cohanim gene. The other method, (not as straight forward), utilizes the mother who passes her mtDNA to both male and female offspring and this can be checked using mtDNA or mitochondrial DNA. A match between the mtDNA of a male potential relative and your mtDNA would mean you have a common female ancestor. A male's mtDNA comes only from his mother and is not passed on to his offspring. This is FTDNA's Maternal Match.

14. How long will it take for me to get my results?
From the time you return the two specimens to FTDNA it will take approximately seven weeks to test your DNA sample, analyze the specimens and compare the results to data in the existing genetic library.

15. Suppose I have a distant cousin in another country and we both send our specimens separately, how will FTDNA know that we want to confirm our family connections?
Unless you ordered together or sent in your samples together FTDNA wouldn't know that you wanted to share results with each other, however this is not a problem if you sign the Release Form, included with every test kit. When signed FTDNA can then automatically release specific contact information to you and people who have an exact match to you. If you are specifically testing with another individual just send an email after you place your order. Of course, if both of you are members of a surname group & both sign the release form, you will be notified of any matches within the group.

19. When should I use genetic testing service?
FTDNA works in conjunction with existing genealogical records and their tests help you fill in the gaps where no records exist.

21. What steps does Family Tree DNA take to keep my results confidential?
Your privacy is assured because the testing facility will not have access to your name. Only your unique number will accompany your collection tube to the testing lab. The computer-generated number is the only information about you that the testing facility will see. Once your test has been completed, the results will be entered in a secure non-web-based database, and the lab will inform FTDNA of any matches between two coded numbers. The information placed in FTDNA Surnames Database Library will only display your last name on our web site. No specific information about you will be available at the web site.

22. What does the lab do with the actual DNA sample once the test is completed?
The DNA extracted from your sample is kept by the lab for a period of 25 years for your exclusive use. It is important to note that Family Tree DNA adopts a "double safety net" in regard to your sample: Arizona Research Labs at the campus of the University of Arizona keeps the DNA associated to a number and not a name, while Family Tree DNA offices keep the database with no access to the actual sample.

Only Family Tree DNA will have the capability through their database to cross-reference test results from all submissions in order to identify family links of which you were not even aware! This information will only be available to those people who have signed the Release Form granting them permission to notify others in the database of an exact match.

Editor’s Note: Family Tree DNA will not have the right to publish the results of these studies. You will have the right to remove your genetic profile from the database at any time. Since the analysis only looks at specific sites on the Y Chromosome, the tests will not show any information about genetic defects or diseases.

Family Tree DNA - Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. World Headquarters
1919 North Loop West, Suite 110 Houston, Texas 77008, USA
Phone: (713) 828-4200 | Fax: (713) 868-4584
info@FamilyTreeDNA.com