Number of tests/upgrades per sample

[DanStone]

Under normal/average conditions, how many tests/upgrades can be expected from the two vial submission before additional samples would need to be submitted? I'm just trying to plan ahead for the possibility of upgrading to future enhanced tests after the donor has passed away. Thank you.

[prairielad]

I can't remember off hand how many vials where shipped to my father when I initially ordered his test, I think it was only 2, but it might have been 3. Ordered in Dec 2010. Contemplating the Big Y test, so we will see if enough of sample is adequate.

So far 6 separate test have been run.
Y-DNA67 12/27/2010
mtDNAPlus 12/27/2010
Y-HAP-Backbone 3/30/2011
Individual yDNA SNP Test 5/21/2011
Y-Refine67to111 11/12/2011
Family Finder 4/20/2012

[DanStone]

Thank you. That is helpful to know. Although I don't know whether the sample size used with the genealogical DNA tests is the same, if the sample size needed is as small as what they show on TV for the criminal DNA tests, then there should be plenty with two cheek scrapings for many, many tests. I just want to make sure I try not to use up all the sample now with any tests/upgrades without leaving enough for at least one future test (but preferably more).

[AlisonT]

From my grandpa's sample:

-Y-37
-Family Finder
-HVR1

I e-mailed to ask them if he had enough DNA left to upgrade to FMS and was told they would need a new sample.

[DanStone]

Thanks Alison. Sounds like the number of tests/upgrades could be much lower than I anticipated. Good to know.

[DmHagen]

I've also been concerned about this. My Dad has now had mtDNA Plus, Y-37 upgrade, Y-Hap Backbone, L-21+ SNP test and Family Finder.

Happy to have this question addressed.

[DanStone]

I sent an email to FTDNA asking if they had any estimate regarding the average number of tests/upgrades one might reasonably expect per two vial submission. I'll post the reply here when I receive it.

[engisdene]

I can't remember off hand how many vials where shipped to my father when I initially ordered his test, I think it was only 2, but it might have been 3. Ordered in Dec 2010. Contemplating the Big Y test, so we will see if enough of sample is adequate.

So far 6 separate test have been run.
Y-DNA67 12/27/2010
mtDNAPlus 12/27/2010
Y-HAP-Backbone 3/30/2011
Individual yDNA SNP Test 5/21/2011
Y-Refine67to111 11/12/2011
Family Finder 4/20/2012

Mine is very simalar to this.
Differiences;
Y-67»Y-12
Y67to111»Y12to67
And of course all dates.

[nmcconnell1]

I've had 14 tests done from my original sample. Ten of those were individual SNP tests. They haven't run out yet.

[sammy321]

Under normal/average conditions, how many tests/upgrades can be expected from the two vial submission before additional samples would need to be submitted? I'm just trying to plan ahead for the possibility of upgrading to future enhanced tests after the donor has passed away. Thank you.

Thanks for the question as I was wondering that as well. Some of the relatives I order tests for live very far from me and it is not easy to obtain a sample from them.
I can see from the replies it looks like a sample can do many times in future tests.

[McCrary_Fondren]

I received 2 vials with my kit when I transfer and upgrade to FTDNA 37 marker and after getting a Family Finder ,mtFullSequence and an upgraded from 37 to 111 marker from those 2 vials but I order a DF13 test and it fail 3 times so I only got four test results out of my first samples.They sent me a new kit with 2 vials free for the DF13 test and I am waiting for the results.

[owen]

One relative only return one vial, had done mtfullsequence and Family Finder test.
another relative's kit contain 2 vials,complete test so for:
Transfer Y-DNA46 + Y-DNA37
Y-Refine37to67
Family Finder
mtFullSequence
6 Y-strs
2 Y-snps

[MerryB]

Relative returned all vials standardly sent. Reportedly rubbed and rubbed and rubbed. Five years ago. Tests so far:
Ydna 67
Ydna 111
Mtdna plus
Family finder
Mtdna full sequence
Deep clade
Big y now ordered and so far no request for more sample from ftdna

Some of these tests were ordered together-- maybe four, now five different sets of tests? So both the amount of sample dna in a vial and the total number of times a vial is accessed may affect how many tests may be run?

[DanStone]

I mistakenly neglected to post this earlier, as they responded very quickly. The answer I received from FTDNA is:

"It all depends on the concentration of DNA in each sample. If each swab contains a high concentration of DNA, we can usually run a Y-DNA111, Family Finder, and mtFullSequence with two vials. However, if each swab contains a very low concentration of DNA, it may take a full vial to run the Family Finder. If you are concerned about having enough DNA for future testing, we would be happy to send additional vials to collect extra sample to keep in storage."

To which I asked in followup:

"From your reply, it sounds like the amount of DNA required for a particular test/upgrade varies with which test/upgrade is being performed. Is this correct, and if so, can you tell me the order of the tests/upgrades in regards to which takes the most DNA to which takes the least DNA."

The answer I received from FTDNA:

"Again, it depends on the quality of the sample. Each test uses a different amount of DNA for each person. However, I can tell you that Family Finder and the mtFullSequence require high quality samples, while Y-DNA can usually yield results from a mid-quality sample."

[Rebekah Canada]

"Again, it depends on the quality of the sample. Each test uses a different amount of DNA for each person. However, I can tell you that Family Finder and the mtFullSequence require high quality samples, while Y-DNA can usually yield results from a mid-quality sample."

Hi,

I am going to add that a Y-DNA STR testing technology change is coming shortly. A really good swab is now universally important.