Y-Chromosome DNA TestInformation and Ordering

What is Y-Chromosome DNA Testing?

The Y-Chromosome DNA Test can only be used on male individuals; females do not have the Y-Chromosome. If you are trying to test two male siblings, a grandfather and grandson, or an uncle and nephew, they should have identical Y-Chromosome profiles.

If there is a possibility that another male relative is the father (e.g. two brothers – or a father and son – were with the mother), you should not use the Y-Chromosome DNA Test!

What is the Y-Chromosome?

In humans, the Y-Chromosome spans 58 million base pairs — the building blocks of DNA — and represents approximately 0.38% of the total DNA in a human cell. The human Y-Chromosome contains 78 genes, which code for only 23 distinct proteins. Because the Y-Chromosome changes relatively slowly over time and is only passed along the direct male line, it may be used to trace paternal lineage.

Inheriting the Y-Chromosome

With each generation, the male will carry an exact copy of the Y-Chromosome that his father carried. Male descendants from two brothers who lived 500 years ago will carry the same Y-Chromosome, barring any mutation events. Mutations can occur and the profile can change over time but the overall change is typically low within a family unless a very broad time range is considered. Cases of non-paternity can also affect the line and are observed to range from 10-20%.

Following the Y

Y-Chromosome Surname Studies can provide you with proof of relationship with distant cousins that share the same last name, but will not tell you about the relatives that are not direct male line relatives. Consider that the information about your true genetic relations decreases with each generation back in time. For example, 50% of your parents will have been represented by a Y-Chromosome test and 25% at the grandparent level. 10 generations back you will only be representing 1 person out of 1024 direct genetic relatives (0.09%).

So... Why the Y?

Because the Y-Chromosome does not change frequently, many distant cousins will have a very similar — or the same — Y Profile and have never met. This makes it an interesting and powerful tool for the genetic genealogist. Performing a large scale Y-Chromosome DNA Test could be the catalyst for genealogists to find or confirm the information they seek.

Y-Chromosome DNA Test Details

Participants	This test requires two males that are believed to be from the same paternal lineage. A child, his father, his father's brother(s), and his father's father would all be eligible for this test.
Home DNA Kits	Make Your Own DNA Kit using cotton swabs (e.g. Q-Tips) and standard mailing envelopes. GFI DNA Collection Kit with Free Shipping for US Orders.
Payment	We accept Paypal and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express). For discrete payments, we suggest purchasing a pre-paid credit card available at most retailers.
Results	The results will show whether the two males share the same Y-Chromosome (related) or not (unrelated).

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