DNA Testing Labs

There are many DNA testing labs out there today, some are very good, while others can leave you with little results. There are also many different tests. There are many avenues you can take when analyzing your DNA.

For Genealogy and family history research, DNA technology has gotten to a whole different level. Mitochondrial DNA Testing is done to analyze your maternal side...(you may have your father's last name and Y chromosome, but you have your mother's mito as well). For your paternal side, you have Y chromosome testing. The DNA testing labs have been graded for you below.

Mitochondrial DNA Testing

Argus Bioscience: (C+) Testing is pretty good but there is no database to link with other's DNA, and no DNA storage.

     DNA Ancestry: (D) Have little to be desired. DNA Ancestry does not test all the aspects of Mitochondrial. Do have DNA storage for 20 years. Why pay more for less....

DNA Heritage: (D-) Does not test all areas, high priced, no DNA database or DNA storage.

Ethnoancestry: (F) Options are minimal, and test only 50% of the results you should get.

 : (A) Complete mitochondrial DNA testing, 25 year DNA storage, and many options ranging from $89 - $495 (Based out of Houston, TX)

: (A+) This is the "cream of the crop" testing for Mitochondrial DNA Testing. Not only is it the most comprehensive mtDNA test, it is inexpensive.

GeoGene: (F) The worst testing site on our list. Expensive, minimal testing and no DNA database.

National Geographic Genographic Project: (C) Great website, good for research, though the tests are done with specific results, not the complete Mitochondrial.

Oxford Ancestors: (C-) England-based, Have a good database, very expensive and they do not analyze complete Mitochondrial DNA.

Y Chromosome DNA Testing

Your paternal side

(Markers indicate unique locations in your DNA)

: (B+) 33 Marker test $79, 49 Marker test $149; inexpensive, and has a wonderful DNA database to help match possible relatives.

DNA Consultants: (D-) 13 Marker test $145, 23 Marker test $265; expensive tests with less results.

DNA Heritage: (C) 23 Marker test $137.77, 43 Marker test $199, SNP test $129 (checks for variations which may show common ailments in your bloodline)

Family Tree DNA: (A+) 12 Marker test $149, 37 Marker test $259,                * 67 Marker test $349; the only reputable of the DNA testing labs that do a 67 Marker test, largest DNA database, surname projects, information presented on their website that allows you to understand your analysis easily.

Genelex: ( F) 26 Markers $295 Not worth the price of admission.

: (A+) Great testing lab with many options, it is inexpensive. They run things quick and thorough.

Testing Center of America: (C)- 12 Marker test $99, 22 Marker test $119, 44 Marker test $199; no DNA database, and hard to understand the test.

Autosomal DNA Testing/Paternal DNA Testing

Your paternal and maternal side (as far as the grandparent generation)

Inexpensive - Ancestry.com DNA testing ($79 and up)

High Quality - Family Tree DNA ($129-$659)