GeoGene: Tracking your genetic roots

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be used to identify my ethnicity?
Can you tell me my ancestors’ names and dates of birth?
Are there any restrictions on testing?
Do you provide paternity tests?
Do you provide medical tests?
How can I be confident of the quality of the testing?
How long will the service take?
How can I be confident that my privacy will be respected?
How can I learn more ?

 

Can this be used to identify my ethnicity?

No. GeoGene creates the GeoMother™ wallchart based on your matrilineal line (your mother’s mother’s … mother). The GeoFather™ wallchart is based on the patrilineal line (father’s father’s … father). We have many other ancestors. For example, your mother’s father’s mother.

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Can you tell me my ancestors’ names and dates of birth?

No, our GeoMother™ and GeoFather™ services analyse your DNA to trace your ancestral roots. These roots lie far back in prehistory, long before the beginning of written records.

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Are there any restrictions on testing?

DNA from a male can be used to produce both the GeoMother™ and the GeoFather™ wallchart. Female DNA may only be used for the GeoMother™ wallchart. However, women may obtain a GeoFather™ wallchart by using a sample from a male relative such as a brother or father.

We only provide tests for people over the age of 18.

The person who provides the DNA sample must sign a consent form.

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Do you provide paternity tests?

No, sorry.

 

Click here for information on paternity testing.

DNA Solutions is a long established provider of this service.

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Do you provide medical tests?

No, sorry.

Click here for information on medical testing.

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How can I be confident of the quality of the testing?

The testing is organised by University of London. To ensure consistent results, a random sample of tests is resubmitted to the laboratory.

Each wallchart has a unique identity number. The authenticity of a wallchart can be confirmed here.

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How long will the service take?

The service takes between 6 and 10 weeks to complete. The longer time period may be necessary if tests need to be rerun. We will inform you if there is any delay.

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How can I be confident that my privacy will be respected?

GeoGene complies with a Privacy Policy based on the best practices that our customers expect. The DNA sample will only be used for genealogical testing.

The DNA sample will be treated confidentially and no information will be made available to third parties. To preserve anonymity each mouth swab sent to the testing laboratory is identified by a unique serial number rather than the person’s name. The sample and all related data will be destroyed at the request of the customer.

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How can I learn more ?

The BBC provides an excellent website with more detail.

GenesConnected, the UKs number one family tree and genealogy site.
The UK Friends Reunited genealogy resource for those around the globe
searching for ancestors and living relatives from a growing database of millions of names. Free family tree-builder and free advice during regular webchats with the sites resident expert genealogist.

The principal discussion site for genetic ancestral research is the Genealogy-DNA website.

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