This page was last updated on February 16, 2009.

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:
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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
DNAH 23-marker test- Price = $137.77
DNAH 43-marker test- Price = $199.00
Ancestry 33-marker test- Price = $79.00
Ancestry 46-marker test- Price = $149.00

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. Retail price $259.00 - 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 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 $349.00 - Price through our project = $248.00
- 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. Retail price $149.00 - Price through our project = $99.00
DNA Heritage (DNAH). DNAH is another well-respected firm, which has its main business office in England and a branch office and testing facility in the United States. It offers a short turn-around time on testing and a unique ordering system which permits customers to choose their own customized set of markers to test (23 markers being the minimum initial order). Marker upgrades can be ordered on a marker-by-marker basis for specific markers chosen by the customer, at a low per marker price, up to the 43 markers that DNAH tests for. The company's UK location and ability to accept various forms of European currency and credit card payments may make it a good choice for McQuillans joining the project from Ireland or the UK.
Either of the following DNAH tests is recommended:
- DNAH 23-marker "Surname DNA Test" - 23 markers is a minimally adequate starting number of markers; however, the standard 23-marker test from DNAH tests only 11 of the same markers as the 25-marker FTDNA test and only 15 of the same markers as the FTDNA 37-marker test. Individuals wishing to order this test should first contact the McQuillan DNA Project Administrator for recommendations on how to custom select the 23 markers ordered from DNAH to most closely match the markers in use in our project. This test can later be upgraded further on a marker-by-marker basis. Price = $137.77
- DNAH 43-marker "Surname DNA Test" - This test includes 32 of the 37 markers in our project's "standard set" of markers. The 11 additional markers can be compared to markers tested by RG/Ancestry and SMGF, from which some of our participants have posted similar results. Price = $199.00
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 or DNAH. 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 $149.00
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. The very low price makes this the cheapest test on a per marker basis. Since 23 markers is a minimally adequate starting number of markers for comparisons, this test is acceptable, though not strongly recommended. If an upgrade to further markers is eventually needed, the overall cost will generally significantly exceed that of starting with one of the other tests. 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 $79.00
Sorenson Molecular Genetics Foundation (SMGF). Not really a testing company, SMGF nonetheless provides an attractive testing option under appropriate circumstances, as it does Y-STR and MtDNA testing at no charge for those who agree to participate as subjects in its DNA study. SMGF tests 43 Y-STR markers, including 32 of the markers we have selected as the McQuillan DNA Project's 37-marker standard. The drawback to using SMGF for your project Y-STR testing is that no results are provided directly to participants. The results are eventually posted in an online database, but can take more than a year to show up there. Participation is also limited to those who can furnish details for at least four generations of their ancestry, some part of which must have been born outside the United States and prior to 1900.

For these reasons we do not recommend SMGF as the primary test for participating in the McQuillan DNA Project, unless cost is an absolute barrier to other testing options. However, participation in the SMGF study is strongly recommended to all McQuillans as a way to test additional relatives in your lineage, to preserve DNA from elderly relatives, and to augment the testing done elsewhere. In addition, participating helps SMGF seek new ways in which DNA information can be used to assist genealogy - a very worthwhile endeavor in its own right.

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, 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.