Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Do you have instructions for collecting the samples with the YSEQ sample collection kit?

The instructions are included in the sample kit that we send to our customers. They are also available online in PDF format: English Arabic / العربية German / Deutsch Greek / ελληνικά French / Français Italian / Italiano Polish / Polskie Russian / Русский Spanish / Español If you want to help us to translate the instructions in other languages, please contact us. last updated - 2018-06-13 16:19:48

2. I have sent you my sample with a previous order. Do I need to pay for the shipping again?

No, by default we store your DNA as long as you don't tell us to destroy it. If we need more/fresh DNA we'll contact you and send you a free replacement kit. Please enter the coupon code IDONTNEEDAKIT into the coupon code field during the checkout procedure (Payment Information). This will give you a $5 discount to offset for the not used shipping fees. last updated - 2015-09-30 21:03:23

3. How long does it take until I receive my results?

More than 95% of the customers receive the results of their DNA tests within 5 weeks after the sample is received at the YSEQ laboratory. Only in rare cases we need to order new primers or send you a new sample kit. Then it may take several weeks longer. If the results take longer than 5 weeks you have the possibility to cancel your order and then we'll refund the test fee for the outstanding results. last updated - 2015-09-30 19:38:44

4. Why do I receive many more results than I have ordered?

When we analyze a SNP marker, we really sequence a region of approximately +/- 200 bases around the SNP that you ordered. We simply score all markers on the sequencing trace that are known. In most cases those markers are not very helpful for the test taker, but in rare cases they may contain valuable additional information. Also a researcher from a different haplogroup may be happy if he finds a negative control. We simply hate to throw away this information. last updated - 2015-09-30 19:53:04

5. Which laboratory is processing the DNA tests?

All DNA tests are processed in our own DNA-Fingerprint laboratory in Berlin (Germany). The strict German regulations for protecting your privacy and DNA information apply to us and are part of our SOPs. last updated - 2015-09-30 19:45:39

6. How can I tell if I'm ancestral (=negative) or derived (=positive) for a certain SNP?

Go to the table of your results and check the allele column on the very right side. It shows the DNA base (A,G,C or T) that you have at the SNP position and a little plus (+) or minus (-) sign behind it. Plus means that you are derived for that SNP and minus means that you are ancestral. last updated - 2015-10-01 15:04:50

7. What does the * mean after a haplogroup designation? E.g. R1b-L21*

YSEQ is using the * designation only in the context of haplogroups. So R1b-L21* would mean that the person was tested derived (+) for L21, but negative for all downstream nodes that we have given in the associated tree. This tree represents the current state of (our) knowledge about SNP defined branches that have been shared among at least 2 people. So in case of R1b-L21* the person would be ancestral for BY3031, A5846, A7906, DF63 and DF13. last updated - 2017-04-01 10:22:17

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