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Debbie Kennett explains how to get more out of your DNA family history research with FamilyTreeDNA, including testing your DNA on your male and female lines
By Debbie Kennett
Published: May 16, 2022 at 1:54 pm
The firm FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) began selling DNA tests direct to the consumer in 2000. The company started out offering Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) tests and mitochondrial (mtDNA) tests – the only two tests available in the early years. Y-DNA tracks the direct paternal line and mtDNA traces the direct maternal line. FTDNA is now the market leader for both Y-DNA and mtDNA testing, and the only company providing Y-DNA and mtDNA matching databases.
Autosomal DNA tests provide matches with genetic cousins on all our ancestral lines. This is the type of test offered by AncestryDNA which now dominates the market with a database of more than 20 million people. FTDNA’s autosomal DNA test is known as the Family Finder and the company has a database of about 1.5 million people. FTDNA launched its Family Finder test in February 2010 and for five years was the company of choice for those living in the UK. Even if you have already tested at Ancestry or elsewhere, it is worth adding your DNA to the FTDNA database to increase your matches.
