This page was last updated on May 6, 2011.

Join the Project

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to review the Project's Objectives and Methodology before deciding whether to submit your request to join via the form immediately below. Submitting the form is an expression of interest in joining the project and does not commit you to proceeding further, so the form can also be used to request further information you need before deciding whether to join the project.

Project Request Form

Yes, I am ready to join the McQuillan DNA Project
No, I first need more information in order to decide

Contact Information

First Name:
Last Name:
Mailing Address Line 1:
Mailing Address Line 2:
City or Place:
State or Province:
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Test Information

Recommended tests and their prices are:

FTDNA 37-marker test- Project price = $149.00
FTDNA 25-marker test- Project price = $124.00
Ancestry 33-marker test- Price = $149.00
Ancestry 46-marker test- Price = $179.00
Gene Tree 43-marker test- Price = $179.00

Applicants selecting one of the recommended tests will receive ordering instructions by email from the McQuillan DNA Project Administrator, including links and instructions for ordering with discounts, as applicable. Note that because different companies test slightly different groups of markers, selecting a test involves more than just a simple cost per marker comparison. Detailed information about selecting a test is provided elsewhere on this page.

I will be the:	Test Subject Test Sponsor
Yes, I have selected a test option:
No, I need more help selecting a test:
Test Option Selected:
Other Test Selected or Taken:

Other Information

Earliest Male Line Ancestor:
Comments or Questions:

More About Selecting a Testing Option

The McQuillan DNA Project does not require that you purchase your Y-STR testing from any specific company among the various companies providing such tests. However, we have recommended specific testing options based on quality of service, competitive prices, comparability of results and other factors. Most participants will choose one of the recommended options, as this is the easiest and usually the most economical way to arrange the needed testing. The recommended options are shown immediately below:

We are currently listing the following testing firms and options as specifically recommended for the McQuillan DNA Project:

Family Tree DNA (FTDNA). FTDNA is a well-respected firm with the widest range of products and the largest customer base in the genealogical DNA industry, and thus has the most cross-comparability and the largest results set to compare with. We have registered our project with FTDNA and participants can obtain deeply discounted prices.

Either of the following FTDNA tests is recommended:
- FTDNA 37-marker test - This is the "project standard" Y-STR test for the McQuillan DNA Project. Because of recent changes to pricing and offerings in this industry, we STRONGLY recommend this test over all others at this time. Retail price $169.00 - Price through our project = $149.00
- FTDNA 25-marker test - This is a minimally adequate number of markers. Only available through projects. Price through our project = $124.00
FTDNA also offers two other Y-STR tests, which we accept but have not specifically recommended:
- FTDNA 67-marker test (optional) - This test provides an additional 30 markers beyond those in our "project standard" test. While additional markers can be useful in distinguishing between closely related branches of a single lineage, this level of resolution has not yet been necessary in the McQuillan DNA Project. However, some of our members have opted to test for the additional markers to help clarify the significance of out-of-surname matches. Retail price $268.00 - Price through our project = $238.00
- FTDNA 111-marker test (optional) - This test provides the largest number of markers currently available in a single test package. While the additional markers can be useful in distinguishing between closely related branches of a single lineage, this level of resolution has not yet been necessary in the McQuillan DNA Project. However, some of our members have opted to test for the full set of FTDNA markers. Retail price $359.00 - Price through our project = $339.00
- FTDNA 12-marker test (not recommended) - This number of markers is insufficient to reliably demonstrate a relationship. However, it may be appropriate as an initial test for those who wish to obtain tentative findings for a limited initial cost before fully committing to the project and upgrading to a more definitive test. Only available through projects. Price = $99.00
Ancestry.com (DNA ANCESTRY). In 2007, Ancestry.com purchased the genealogical testing business of a respected DNA testing firm, Relative Genetics ("RG"). Our DNA project had a project presence at RG, which was then rolled into Ancestry's DNA service, so that it is possible to join our project directly through testing with Ancestry.com. Ancestry offers two Y-DNA tests, either of which is accepted by our project. Unique to Ancestry is its coordination of its DNA testing with the extensive genealogical database and related features that have made Ancestry the industry leader in subscription-based online genealogy services. The primary limitation of testing with Ancestry is that it does not offer any of the advanced testing options or interpretive support provided by FTDNA. McQuillans testing at Ancestry.com can use the button on our project gateway page at Ancestry to request that their test results be added to our project page there.
The following Ancestry DNA test is recommended:
- Ancestry 46-marker test - This test includes 28 of the 37 markers in our project's "standard set" of markers. The remaining 18 markers of the 46 in this test can be compared to markers tested by RG and SMGF, from which some of our participants have posted results. Retail price $179.00
The following Ancestry DNA test is acceptable:
- Ancestry 33-marker test - This test includes 23 of the 37 markers in our project's "standard set" of markers. Since 23 markers is a minimally adequate starting number of markers for comparisons, this test is acceptable, though not strongly recommended. If testing through Ancestry is selected, Ancestry's 46-marker test is preferable. The remaining 10 markers of the 33 in this test can be compared to markers tested by RG and SMGF, from which some of our participants have posted results. Retail price $149.00
GeneTree (GT). GeneTree, a for-profit company spun off by SMGF (below) tests 46 Y-STR markers, including 32 of the markers we have selected as the McQuillan DNA Project's 37-marker standard. Retail price $179.00.
Sorenson Molecular Genetics Foundation (SMGF). No longer available. SMGF has discontinued accepting most participants volunteering to take part in its ongoing DNA study except those it recruits from specific undertested populations. The 46 marker Y-DNA test formerly provided without cost to participants is now being sold by SMGF's for profit partner, GeneTree (see above)
DNA Heritage (DNAH). This option is no longer available. As of April 19 2011, DNA Heritage ceased its operations and transfered its databases to Family Tree DNA.

For those who may wish to compare these recommended options with other possible testing options, here is a link to a price comparison of firms & tests (unfortunately now somewhat outdated), and another to a marker-by-marker comparison of what each company's tests include. Participants considering using other firms or tests are strongly encouraged to discuss their situation with the project administrator before ordering from a firm not listed on this page, in order to ensure comparability with the testing already done by other McQuillans.