detailed test descriptions

Click on the logo above to order your test kit today.

The Sprague DNA Project highly recommends Family Tree DNA as your testing company. This ensures compatibility between test results and allows for better coordination of this project.

Y-Chromosome - DNA

Ethnic and Geographic Origins: All Y-DNA tests allow you to identify your ethnic and geographic origins, both recent and far distant on your direct male descending line. Among others, you will be able to check your Native-American or African Ancestry as well as for the Cohanim Ancestry.

Y-DNA12 - 12 Marker Test

This test is the world standard to verify the Y chromosome for genetic matches between males. Results are placed in our Y-DNA database and when 2 people show the same identical results, we will inform both parties if they have both signed the FTDNA Release Form. The customer receives a Certificate & report generally describing Y-DNA sequencing and the meaning of the probability between matches.

Y-DNA37 - 37 Marker Test

Tests the Y chromosome for genetic matches between males. Results are placed in our Y-DNA database and when 2 people show the same identical or near identical results, we will inform both parties if you have both signed the FTDNA Release Form. A perfect match of 37 markers means that the two individuals matching shared a common ancestor in recent times. The customer receives a Certificate & report generally describing Y-DNA sequencing and the meaning of probability between matches.

Y-DNA67 - 67 Marker Test

The highest resolution Y-DNA test in the world: tests the Y chromosome for genetic matches between males. Results are placed in our Y-DNA database and when 2 people show the same identical or near identical results, we will inform both parties if you have both signed the FTDNA Release Form. A perfect match of 67 markers means a very tight connection: a common ancestor in very recent times. The customer receives a Certificate & report generally describing Y-DNA sequencing and the meaning of probability between matches.

Y-Refine12to37

This refinement of our 12 marker Y-DNA test dramatically reduces the time (in generations) to the Most Recent Common Ancestor. Y-DNA12to37 adds 25 additional markers to your previous results without the need for you to provide an additional sample. Therefore it can't be ordered as a stand-alone test without you having previously ordered the Y-DNA test.

Y-Refine12to67

This refinement of our 12 marker Y-DNA test dramatically reduces the time (in generations) to the Most Recent Common Ancestor. Y-DNA12to67 adds 55 additional markers to your previous results without the need for you to provide an additional sample. Therefore it can't be ordered as a stand-alone test without you having previously ordered the Y-DNA test.

Y-Refine37to67

This refinement of our 37 marker Y-DNA test dramatically reduces the time (in generations) to the Most Recent Common Ancestor. Y-DNA37to67 adds 30 additional markers to your previous results without the need for you to provide an additional sample. Therefore it can't be ordered as a stand-alone test without you having previously ordered the Y-DNA test.

Oxford Conversion Kit

This test will add the markers needed to convert your Oxford results to our Y-DNA 37 Marker test. You only need to provide us a copy of your Oxford results, and to use the kit to send us a DNA sample. Your results will be added to our database and matched to the other people in it. You will also be able to search our Recent Ethnic Origins database.

Ancestry Conversion Kit

The Ancestry Conversion Kit will test the additional markers that are needed to make your results significant from the genealogical standpoint and ready for inclusion in our database for 37 markers. This kit is also good for converting any competitors' results.

Mitochondria - mtDNA Tests

mtDNA

Tests the mtDNA of females and the female lineage of males for HVR1 (16001 to 16569). Results are placed in our mtDNA database and when 2 people show the same identical polymorphism, we will inform both parties if you have both signed the FTDNA Release Form. The customer receives a report generally describing mtDNA, the meaning of polymorphism, your differences from the Cambridge Reference Sequence and the meaning of probability between matches.

Ethnic and Geographic Origins - "Eve's Daughters"

This test also allows you to identify your ethnic and geographic origins, both recent and far distant, on your direct maternal line. Among other features, this test will be able to indicate your Native-American Ancestry and which of the 5 major groups that settled in the Americas you are most likely to be descended from. Or, it will point to African Ancestry or other ethnic origins, known as the branches related to "Eve's Daughters." Note that since we are testing only your maternal line, the results will not have input from any spouses along the way.

mtDNAPlus

Tests the mtDNA HVR1 and HVR2 of females and the female lineage of males, and also verifies possible Native American and African ancestry. This is the mtDNA test that includes the most number of base pairs offered anywhere: 16001 to 16569 and 00001 to 00574, for a total of 1143 base pairs. Results are placed in our mtDNA database and when 2 people show the same identical polymorphism, we will inform both parties if you have both signed the FTDNA Release Form. The customer receives a report generally describing mtDNA, the meaning of polymorphism, your differences from the Cambridge Reference Sequence and the meaning of probability between matches.

Ethnic and Geographic Origins - "Eve's Daughters"

Oxford mtConversion Plus

This test will add the markers needed to convert your Oxford results to our mtDNAPlus (HVR1+HVR2) test. You only need to provide us a copy of your Oxford results, and to use the kit to send us a DNA sample. Your results will be added to our database and matched to the other people in it.

mtDNARefine

Available for customers that have ordered the HVR1 only, this refinement of Maternal Match dramatically reduces the time (in generations) to the Most Recent Common Ancestor. mtDNARefine adds approximately 500 base pairs to your previous results without the need for you to provide an additional sample. Therefore it can't be ordered as a stand-alone test without you having previously ordered the mtDNA test.

mtDNA Full Sequence

The purpose of offering a Full Mitochondria Sequence test is to: a) more accurately establish the actual mutation rate of the female inherited mtDNA; b) apply statistics to more accurately predict when two people who match identically likely shared a MRCA (Most Recent Common Ancestor);c) provide the only (or final) mtDNA test that one will ever need to take;d) allow our most inquisitive clients to have results that will be ‘in hand’ when more advanced scientific papers are published in the future.

Combined - Y-Chromosome and MtDNA Tests

YDNA12+mtDNA

This is a combination of the Y-DNA12 and the Maternal Match HVR1 test. The mtDNA HVR1 focuses on a portion of the mtDNA,verifying your maternal lineage as well as possible Native American and African ancestry on that line. This combination entitles you to inclusion in both the Y-DNA and mtDNA databases, certificates, and reports, as well as notification if we match any genetic cousins on either your paternal or maternal lines.

Y-DNA37+mtDNAPlus

This test is a combination of the Y-DNA37 and the Maternal Match mentioned above.

Comprehensive Ancestral Tests

Y-DNA67+mtDNAPlus

Y-DNA67+mtDNAPlus puts together the power of the Y-DNA67 and mtDNAPlus, allowing you to establish a clear picture of your direct maternal and paternal ancestry. Because it includes the Y-DNA, this test is only for males.

SuperDNA

SuperDNA is the most comprehensive and highest resolution DNA test available in the world for genealogy purposes. Since it includes the Y-DNA67, this is a male only test. It puts together the power of the Y-DNA67 and mtDNA Full Sequence, allowing you to establish a clear picture of your direct paternal and maternal lines for both genealogical and deep ancestral origins.

The above information is taken from Family Tree DNA, Product Descriptions.

Back to the Order page.

DNA testing is an excellent supplement to standard genealogical research by offering a scientific verification of your lineage.

Have you hit the proverbial "brick wall" of research? DNA testing can point you in the right direction by identifying common DNA markers between males in your line and males with common ancestors.

Questionable sources and possible assumptions in your lineage can be a huge waste of time. DNA testing is able to identify bad lines thus saving you precious hours or even years of research.