DNASafe

When you are considering participating in the Knowles Surname DNA Project or after you have already submitted a sample of your DNA, you might wonder how your DNA sample is handled by Family Tree DNA.

FTDNA designed and implemented a system for handling you DNA sample that eliminates all risk to you. This system has been in effect since the very first DNA sample was submitted for testing.

Your DNA sample is safe with FTDNA. FTDNA’s separation from the lab, which is at the University of Arizona, is a critical element in protecting your DNA sample. The lab can not identify the owner of a DNA sample, and can not connect a sample to a person. The separation of the DNA sample and the identifying information is just one safeguard in the FTDNA system. (Note: When considering vendors other than FTDNA, if the vendor is also the lab, they cannot provide this most important safeguard).

The following paragraphs explain how a DNA sample is handled by Family Tree DNA, and describes each step of the process:

Order Entry - When you enter an order, you supply a name, postal address and email address. This information then resides on the secure Family Tree DNA server. At the time you place an order, your test kit is assigned a unique serial number. This serial number identifies your kit and this number is stored with your name and address record on the secure Family Tree DNA server.
You Receive the Test Kit - In the test kit is a release form. This release form is short and simple and is required to participate in the "matching" function at Family Tree DNA. The matching function lets you see who you match in the Family Tree DNA database of results. Signing the release form authorizes FTDNA to share your name and email address with those whom you match. When you have a match, you will see the name and email address of those whom you match, and they will see your name and email address. That is the only information that Family Tree DNA provides to others, and this only occurs when you have a match, and you have signed the release form.
Sending the Test KIT to FTDNA - When your test kit is received at Family Tree DNA, they go through a "check in" process. This process includes removing and processing any payment enclosed with the test kit, and entering in the secure database the receipt of your test kit at Family Tree DNA. When the test kit is received and entered by FTDNA, you are immediately sent an email which tells you that they have received the test kit. They also note in your record if the release form was signed and returned.

A Batch Goes to the Lab - Every two weeks, Family Tree DNA sends a batch to the lab. Each sample is identified by only the kit number and the surname. That is the extent of the information that the lab receives regarding the identity of the sample.
At the Lab - The lab handles hundreds of tests each week. At the lab, a unique sequential number is assigned to your sample. Your identity is 100% anonymous. There is no way for the sample to be connected with a person in the world, with just a surname. Even with a very rare surname, the lab would have no idea of the country where the person resides.
Storage of Your Sample - Testing with Family Tree DNA also includes 25 years of storage of your DNA sample, at no additional charge. This is a tremendous feature, which offers many benefits. For those who are elderly, or who have older relatives, their sample is safely stored, and available for future tests that become available as a result of scientific advances in the field. For those on a budget, they can start with a 12-Marker test, and upgrade to 25 and/or 37 Markers, without dealing with another test kit. Any of the other tests available from Family Tree DNA can be ordered in the future without submitting another sample. The samples are stored in a locked refrigerator at the lab.

Performing the Tests - The lab performs the test(s) requested, and the test results are returned to Family Tree DNA electronically. The test results are a string of numbers or letters, depending on the test requested.
Processing the Results at Family Tree DNA - When your results are posted, you receive an email notice that your results are now available for viewing. For those of you who have had a Y-DNA test, you are aware that the results are a string of numbers, either 12, 25, or 37 numbers, depending on the number of Markers you have had tested. For those who have had an mtDNA test, your results are a string of numbers and letters.

Your test result is in the Family Tree DNA database is a string of numbers or numbers and letters. If another male in your family tree with the same surname took a Y-DNA test, he would most likely have the same result, or a very close result. The test results are not unique to you, since others to whom you are related will have the same or a close result. That is the value of the tests and how they can be used for genealogical purposes. Since the test result is not unique, then the test result can not be used to identify you.

Several hundred miles away from Family Tree DNA, in Arizona, your DNA sample sits safely and securely in a locked refrigerator. The lab can not connect the sample to a person. Family Tree DNA does not have the samples.

As you can see from the steps above, your DNA sample is safe and secure.

Family Tree DNA has designed a system of handling and storing your DNA which is safe, secure and anonymous.

The three letter word "DNA" scares people, and sometimes invokes conspiracy theory thinking. People leave DNA everywhere they go and on items they touch. The odds of the lab selling a DNA sample is about equivalent to the restaurant taking your glass after you leave, and selling your DNA sample.