Y-Chromosome Markers Measured by Different Labs
Prices as of 6/25/10

Deane Merrill, dwmerrill@charter.net
revised June 2010

Different Y-Chromosome markers are measured for different purposes.

SNP's (single-nucleotide polymorphisms)

SNP's change very slowly from one generation to the next. They are useful for studying migrations of populations over tens of thousands of years.

STR's (short tandem repeats)

STR's change more quickly from one generation to the next. They are useful for studying differences between families, where the most recent common ancestor of a family lived (typically) hundreds of years ago.

Three different laboratories offer comparable tests of Y-chromosome STR's, with 33 to 46 markers.

1. Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) $149 37-marker test

To qualify for the $149 price, one must join a surname group when placing an order. To join the FTDNA Merrill/Merrell surname group, contact Dave Merrell, dwmerrell@yahoo.com. Persons testing with FTDNA can request additional tests later at low cost.

Four of the five FTDNA (37) markers (570, 576, CDYa and CDYb) change quickly and can be used to distinguish recent ancestral lines.
See John F. Chandler, "Estimating Per-Locus Mutation Rates", Journal of Genetic Genealogy 2:27-33, 2006, Chandler.pdf.

2. DNA Heritage (DNAH) $149 43-marker test

To qualify for the $149 Advantage Program price, one must join a surname group when placing an order. To join the DNAH Merrill/Merrell surname group, contact Gary Merrill, ozobryum@comcast.net. From For more information, go to the DNAH home page and then click on Blog in the left column.

3. Ancestry.com $179 46-marker test

The three Ancestry markers 19b, 464e and 464f occur only rarely. For all practical purposes Ancestry (46 markers) and DNAH (43 markers) are equivalent.