Increased Number of Failed Samples/Tests

[M E M]

I contacted FTDNA regarding the multiple failed QC messages I have received and was finally advised they are still working with my first vial, the second remains untouched.
So it sounds like our samples are safe.

Please do not reduce your presence. Positive feedback is never a bad thing and your posts are always valued.
At the same time checks and balances are also necessary and as consumers we are right to have expectations and when those commitments are not met, to express our frustration.

In January for example the quoted expected turn around time was 6-8 weeks for a Y-DNA 37 to 111 markers upgrade.
At this point I have been waiting for 17 weeks with a new projected time frame of 20-23 weeks from my original batch date.

I am all for patience and understanding to a point, however I do think there is a limit. With a backlog of tests waiting to be processed, these older orders should be addressed before any newer ones receive attention. In this instance that certainly does not seem to be the case. People with far more recent YNDA batches are receiving their results, while those of us who ordered months ago are still waiting and receiving automated excuses in thanks for our patience.

Quote from https://www.familytreedna.com/learn/...-results-take/

"After I return the kit, how long will results take?

As of May 26, 2015, our testing is running per normal turn around, except the following delays:

mtDNA – 9 to 11 weeks

Y-DNA -10 to 13 weeks

Family Finder – 5 to 6


Most of our tests typically take 6 to 8 weeks to complete from the time we receive your sample in our lab, except Family Finder, which is usually 4 to 5 weeks.

After we notify you that we have received your kit, you may login to your myFTDNA account to check your expected results date. Please note this is only an estimate and not a guaranteed results day, as a number of factors may cause your sample to be completed sooner or to be delayed."

Y-DNA37 to 111 (Batch 607)
Ordered 01/24/2015
Batched 01/28/2015
Completed 06/05/2015

mtDNA Plus (Batch 607)
Ordered 01/24/2015
Batched 01/28/2015
Completed 03/02/2015

[ajmr1a1]

If FTDNA says that the sample failed QC, just ask them to send out another DNA collection kit right away.

If they are lying, it will cost them $ to send you another kit for no reason.
If they are truthful, a fresh DNA sample can be collected and sent in.

[Sarmat]

Let me off, I'm gettin' dizzy!

[jsarnacki]

That's what I've been saying all along.

Then my original post was in agreement with you... but my original post was a response to the original poster and my second post was clarifying my post in response to what you quoted me as saying and what you said about my post lol.

[Sarmat]

They have had some crappy blanket delay response wording leaving the impression that it is POSSIBLE that the test failed or poor sample was received, I agree with that... but as I stated, my experience has been that the there are mostly delayed results, not actual test failures. If they were test failures, they would be collecting more samples in most cases. I do believe they have finally improved some of the wording. Anyhow... I still believe there are big delay issues, not big failure issues.

That's what I've been saying all along.

[jsarnacki]

The issue is that test failure is the excuse FTDNA most commonly offers for the delays.

They have had some crappy blanket delay response wording leaving the impression that it is POSSIBLE that the test failed or poor sample was received, I agree with that... but as I stated, my experience has been that the there are mostly delayed results, not actual test failures. If they were test failures, they would be collecting more samples in most cases. I do believe they have finally improved some of the wording. Anyhow... I still believe there are big delay issues, not big failure issues.

[silhouettecutter]

I'm still waiting and have run out of patience

I sent my brothers sample in for the Big Y test in DECEMBER 2014 and delays, delays ,delays now they say it will be finished in JULY! Are you kidding me! They did not request a new sample so what is taking so long?
Pam

[Sarmat]

Even if it is the most common excuse for the delay, it still gives the impression that the test has failed to yield results or failed Quality Control. Between this forum, Facebook posts, and other forums there has been an increase in postings about failed tests. This also started about the same time that FTDNA switched to new equipment with the issue of suppliers stopping the production of reagents and/or primers.

Yeah, it's a BS excuse. At least they've stopped trying to shift the blame to the customer for supposedly providing 'a poor quality sample'.

[telly441]

The issue is that test failure is the excuse FTDNA most commonly offers for the delays.

Even if it is the most common excuse for the delay, it still gives the impression that the test has failed to yield results or failed Quality Control. Between this forum, Facebook posts, and other forums there has been an increase in postings about failed tests. This also started about the same time that FTDNA switched to new equipment with the issue of suppliers stopping the production of reagents and/or primers.

I still find it hard to believe that we have samples for Y-DNA ordered last year that still have not been completed.

[Sarmat]

So... I don't think it is a high TEST FAILURE rate...

The issue is that test failure is the excuse FTDNA most commonly offers for the delays.

[jsarnacki]

I don't think "failed" tests is necessarily the issue as much as "delayed" tests. I myself have had tests done on 7 people since December. Family Finders on all of them. Genographic on two of them. FTDNA yDNA on 2 of them. mtDNA on 3 of them.

I have had 2 test where the kits were severely delayed by mail.

I have had a LOT of delayed messages, but even with those messages MOST of still came back ON TIME or 1-2 days late if you look at batch to completion dates and first expected results ranges.

Of my yDNA, 1 kit did take a while, the other came in early.

Of the mtDNA I have ONE kit that is VERY delayed. This happens to be a kit where they received 2 samples, one for genographic with results back and 1 from a family finder with results back... both in timely manners. Now... why the mtDNA is taking forever on this one is beyond me... but of all the tests I have had ordered, if this is the only true problem test, I think I am doing pretty good.

So... I don't think it is a high TEST FAILURE rate... but I do think many are experiencing delays as well as other technical issues with the website. And while some of the "complaints" on this forum are definitely justified, I think too many get bent out of shape over these delay notices when their kits aren't even really all that delayed. I always take reading complaints on any forum with a grain of salt. The people who are the most vocal are the ones who aren't happy. For every person with a negative experience, there are usually many many more that you do not hear from with positive experiences.

[lgmayka]

To rephrase, "our testing is running per normal turnaround time, except for 98 percent of everything we do here."

My interpretation is that everything is still backlogged except the Big Y and perhaps individual SNP tests.

[Uncle Lucifer]

As of May 26, 2015, our testing is running per normal turn around, except the following delays:

mtDNA – 9 to 11 weeks

Y-DNA -10 to 13 weeks

Family Finder – 5 to 6

I've read this blurb for the last three or four days and it's hilarious. To rephrase, "our testing is running per normal turnaround time, except for 98 percent of everything we do here."

Similar in the ... factor to "other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, what'd you think of the play?"

[M E M]

In January for example the quoted expected turn around time was 6-8 weeks for a Y-DNA 37 to 111 markers upgrade.
At this point I have been waiting for 17 weeks with a new projected time frame of 20-23 weeks from my original batch date.

I am all for patience and understanding to a point, however I do think there is a limit. With a backlog of tests waiting to be processed, these older orders should be addressed before any newer ones receive attention. In this instance that certainly does not seem to be the case. People with far more recent YNDA batches are receiving their results, while those of us who ordered months ago are still waiting and receiving automated excuses in thanks for our patience.

Quote from https://www.familytreedna.com/learn/...-results-take/

"After I return the kit, how long will results take?

As of May 26, 2015, our testing is running per normal turn around, except the following delays:

mtDNA – 9 to 11 weeks

Y-DNA -10 to 13 weeks

Family Finder – 5 to 6


Most of our tests typically take 6 to 8 weeks to complete from the time we receive your sample in our lab, except Family Finder, which is usually 4 to 5 weeks.

After we notify you that we have received your kit, you may login to your myFTDNA account to check your expected results date. Please note this is only an estimate and not a guaranteed results day, as a number of factors may cause your sample to be completed sooner or to be delayed."

[M E M]

Has anyone noticed the large number of failed samples being returned or complained about in the forums? Is FTDNA wasting our samples trying to refine their new equipment/primers/staff?

If they are wasting our samples refining there testing process what does that do to kits who family members have passed away...wasting stored DNA.

We used to never hear about so many issues with test QC and failing samples.

I contacted FTDNA regarding the multiple failed QC messages I have received and was finally advised they are still working with my first vial, the second remains untouched.
So it sounds like our samples are safe.

Thank you for your feedback, I will try to reduce my forum presence.

Please do not reduce your presence. Positive feedback is never a bad thing and your posts are always valued.
At the same time checks and balances are also necessary and as consumers we are right to have expectations and when those commitments are not met, to express our frustration.

In January for example the quoted expected turn around time was 6-8 weeks for a Y-DNA 37 to 111 markers upgrade.
At this point I have been waiting for 17 weeks with a new projected time frame of 20-23 weeks from my original batch date.

I am all for patience and understanding to a point, however I do think there is a limit. With a backlog of tests waiting to be processed, these older orders should be addressed before any newer ones receive attention. In this instance that certainly does not seem to be the case. People with far more recent YNDA batches are receiving their results, while those of us who ordered months ago are still waiting and receiving automated excuses in thanks for our patience.