Introduction
FamilyTreeDNA uses a custom Global Screening Array chip from Illumina that looks at about 700,000 SNPs from the autosomes, X chromosome, Y chromosome, and mtDNA. Because the main purpose of this chip is to determine autosomal results (matching, ancestral populations, etc.), the chips contain minimal Y-DNA and mtDNA SNPs. This means Family Finder test takers and autosomal transfers will only receive an intermediate haplogroup. Most customers can expect this haplogroup to have originated in the Metal Age (about 10,000 years ago). Comparatively, a predicted, broad haplogroup from a Y-STR test like the Y-37 or Y-111 will typically have originated in the Stone Age (typically about 100,000 years ago), and a haplogroup from the Big Y-700 will typically have originated in the Middle Ages or in the Modern Age (about 1,000 to 500 years ago)—within genealogical times.
Microarray chips like the Global Screening Array chip have been updated over time. The Y-DNA SNP selection on the various chips has also changed, and varies from company to company. Depending on which chip their test was processed on and if they have a “no call” or no results for a particular SNP., the haplogroup results may vary from tester to tester, even if they are on the same direct paternal line.
Viewing and comparing haplogroups
Genetic males with an autosomal DNA test, either a Family Finder or an unlocked autosomal transfer, will receive the following Y-DNA haplogroup reports:
- Haplotree & SNPs - This provides access to the publicly available Y-DNA haplotree and your placement on it. This will not contain confirmed SNPs based on autosomal DNA data.
- Discover™ Haplogroup Reports - This provides access to Discover tools related to your haplogroup.
- Confirmed Y-DNA Haplogroup Badge - This lists your furthest downstream confirmed SNP.
We provide Y-DNA haplogroups for Family Finder test takers and unlocked autosomal transfers. However, we will only display your haplogroup in the Family Finder match list and profile card if you have tested with FamilyTreeDNA directly or if your autosomal transfer is from MyHeritage or Vitagene. These three companies utilize our in-house accredited lab. All other transfers are not lab-to-lab transfers, meaning the data cannot be verified with the same level of confidence. All autosomal customers are able to view, filter, and search their match list by Y-DNA haplogroup.