DNA Ancestry Project review – Genetic genealogy made easy?

This review is written with the intent to be as unbiased as possible. However, it represents the opinion of an individual reviewer and is therefore subjective. Furthermore, at Nebula Genomics we seek to educate the public about the benefits of Whole Genome Sequencing. Information about our Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.

August 29, 2023

7 Facts from our DNA Ancestry Project Review

1. Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Genebase)
2. Products: Y chromosome DNA and mtDNA tests 
3. Cost: $119-$1779
4. Reports: Genetic genealogy with access to databases for haplogroups, finding relatives, and links to indigenous populations
5. How it works: Purchase a participation kit online, receive results, use the databases
6. Raw DNA download: No
7. Other Products: Nebula Genomics offers 30X Whole Genome Sequencing that decodes 100% of your DNA and offers reports on diet and much more!

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Focus on genetic makeup
• Part of Genebase
• Multiple coverage options
• No membership or subscription fee

Cons

• No mention of DNA privacy
• No DNA upload or download options
• Some website information appears out of date

Introduction

The DNA Ancestry Project specializes in genetic genealogy services, catering to a diverse range of clients, including legal clients, government departments, and private individuals worldwide interested in family history. It is associated with the genetic testing company, Genebase.

With a solid commitment to accuracy, the company runs all tests twice to ensure precise DNA test results.

On its “Company Info” page, the company seems to exclusively describe legal DNA testing services related to paternity such as being able to provide expert PhD testimony and expert testimony letters in court. However, its main website is much broader, offering services for helping all individuals understand their ancestry.

The DNA Ancestry Project’s laboratory holds accreditations from reputable organizations such as American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and is ISO17025-accredited, accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and CLIA certified. 

The DNA Ancestry Project focuses on genetic genealogy, the process by which modern individuals can trace their ancestral origins through time. This service claims to help individuals identify who their ancestors were, where they lived, and which migration paths they took around the world. 

This company uses DNA to identify an individual’s ancestors and demonstrate how they branched into modern day people. Once customers recive their report, they can use the results in genetic databases the company collects on its website.

Did you know that most DNA tests decode only 0.02% of your DNA? At Nebula Genomics, we offer affordable Whole Genome Sequencing that decodes 100% of your autosomal DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and the Y chromosome. Whole Genome Sequencing will enable you to learn more about your ancestry and family tree than any other DNA test. Click here to learn more!

Review of the DNA Ancestry Project Test

The DNA Ancestry Project offers three types of ancestry DNA testing: packages that trace paternal lines, maternal lines, or a combination of both.

The tests for the paternal lines are based on testing a certain number of specific locations on the Y chromosome. Therefore, only people born male can take this test.

It is based on testing short repeated sequences of DNA called short tandem repeats (STRs). The more STRs tested, the greater the test’s accuracy. The company offers four levels of accuracy:

• Standard: 20 STR markers
• Advanced: 44 STR markers
• Advanced: 67 STR markers
• Premium: 101 STR markers

The tests for the maternal lines are based on mtDNA, which is mitochondrial DNA passed on from mother to child, including both males and females. This means that everyone can take the maternal lineage test. There are three levels of accuracy for the maternal test based on how much of the mtDNA the test sequences:

• Standard: HVR1 (Hyper-variable Region 1)
• Advanced: HVR1 and HVR2
• Premium: HVR1, HVR2, and Coding Region (complete mtDNA)

If a customer choses a standard package (typically the lowest coverage), they can upgrade to the higher coverage options at a later date. 

The company also offers combination packages for those who want to test both their maternal and paternal lines. Once again, only males can use the paternal portion of these combinations.

• Standard: Y-DNA 20 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1
• Advanced: Y-DNA 44 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 Test
• Advanced: Y-DNA 67 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 Test
• Premium: Y-DNA 101 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 + Coding Region Test

Review of Taking the DNA Ancestry Project Test

Customers start by ordering a DNA Ancestry Project test, which the company calls a “Participation Kit.” The results include a detailed report and DNA certificate revealing ancestral markers and haplogroup information. 

To get a DNA test kit, customers choose the desired genetic ancestry package based on either paternal or maternal DNA. They must create an account at the time of purchase. Then, they follow the instructions provided in the participation kit to collect the DNA sample using the enclosed mouth swab. 

Once customers complete the swabbing process, they use the self-addressed envelope included in the kit to send the sample back to the laboratory.

The laboratory will process the sample and generate a formal DNA report and certificate.

Once the test is complete, customers have access to projects on the company’s website involving ancient people from around the world.

Review of DNA Ancestry Project’s Cost

Costs range from just over $100 to over $1700 depending on the amount of sequencing coverage desired.

Paternal Line Tracing:

• Standard 20 STR Marker: $119
• Advanced 44 STR Marker: $199
• Advanced 67 STR Marker: $269
• Premium 101 STR Marker: $339

Maternal Line Tracing:

•  Standard mtDNA HVR1: $119
•  Advanced mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2: $189
• Premium mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 + Coding Region: $1528

Combination Packages

• Standard (Y-DNA 20 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1 Test): $238
• Advanced (Y-DNA 44 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 Test): $388
• Advanced (Y-DNA 67 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 Test): $458
• Premium (Y-DNA 101 STR Marker + mtDNA HVR1 + HVR2 + Coding Region Test): $1779

Additionally, shipping and handling costs $10 for regular delivery or $25 for express delivery.

Review of DNA Ancestry Project Reports

The DNA Ancestry Project test provides a DNA report based on the type of test selected. There are also several features available that allow customers to input their results and receive additional information. The features are based on constantly updated databases on the company’s website. They are free for users who have their results.

DNA Haplogroups

Haplogroups are ancient family groups based on the idea that we all descended from a common ancestor. By inputting DNA results into this database, customers can see which haplogroup they belong to and the migration pattern out of Africa. The feature also provides historical information. These results do not include ethnicity estimates from a reference population.

Indigenous DNA

This feature allows customers to compare their DNA with published markers of indigenous populations from around the world and determine which are the closest genetic match to their DNA type.

DNA Reunion

This database is for customers who want to search for missing family members. They can search DNA matches in the database for both close and distant relatives. It’s important to remember that the DNA results are restricted to either the paternal or maternal line, depending on the type of test performed. 

Famous DNA

This database is for customers who want to compare their DNA to famous people, including royalty, throughout history.

Review of the DNA Ancestry Project Privacy Policy

The DNA Ancestry Project collects personal information, such as name, address, email address, and telephone number, solely to carry out the requested services. The company ensures that agents and contractors with access to this information maintain its confidentiality. They do not use personal information for any other purposes without consent.

There is no mention in the company’s privacy policy regarding how it shares DNA samples.

Other DNA Ancestry Project Reviews

Since these products are only available on the company’s website, there are no third-party reviews on sites such as Amazon or Trustpilot.

Nebula Genomics

The DNA Ancestry Project specializes in DNA testing for ancestry tracing. While sequencing your Y chromosome and mtDNA is one way to unlock genetic information, there is tons of additional information waiting in your autosomal DNA as well. Nebula Genomics offers comprehensive genomic sequencing for both ancestry (sequencing the Y chromosome and mtDNA) and things like health, traits, wellness, and more.

Nebula Genomics believes that the latest genetic technology offers the best advantage to users looking to improve their health. That’s why Nebula provides a comprehensive test highlighting predispositions related to diet, fitness, disease, and much more.

With 30x Whole-Genome Sequencing, Nebula sequences 100% of your DNA to get to the root cause of every biological inclination. The test is incredibly accurate and includes other additions, including ancestry reporting and genome exploration tools. Regularly updated reports ensure that you will not miss the latest genetic research. 

Nebula is not a diagnostic test, but the results are of the highest quality and can be used in consultation with health care professionals.

For only $299 or less, customers will get access to their entire genome, allowing them to continue to ask more questions as more research is conducted.

DNA Ancestry Project vs. Nebula Genomics

	DNA Ancestry Project	Nebula Genomics
Sample collection	Cheek swab	Saliva sample
Testing method	Y chromosome and mtDNA	Sequences of all 20,000 genes and regulatory regions
Results	DNA report and access to genetic genealogy databases	Genetic predispositions
Ancestry reporting	Yes	Performs deep ancestry reporting with the complete Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing
Counseling	No	No, but data is of the highest quality and can be used by physicians and genetic counselors
Cost	$119 – $1779	$0, $99, $299

Did you like our DNA Ancestry Project review? You can read more reviews on our blog and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.

Other companies

You may also want to check out these other ancestry-focused sites:

• 23andMe (ancestry, relative finder, and health)
• African Ancestry (various lineage test for African descendants)
• AncestryDNA (ancestry, relative finder, and health)
• CRI Genetics (ancestry test up to 50 generations)
• DNA Consultants (specific ethnicities)
• DNA Land (free DNA upload for trait and ancestry analysis)
• DNA Painter (first profile is free and subscriptions are available for others)
• Findmypast (genealogy for those with British and Irish ancestry)
• GedMatch Genesis (free DNA upload for genetic genealogy and paid advanced options)
• HomeDNA Ancestry (migration history based on gene pools)
• iGenea (percentages origins, relatives, ancient tribes, and famous people)
• Living DNA (free upload for ancestry)
• MyHeritage (ancestry test, additional subscriptions for access to genealogy tools)
• TheGenealogist (UK based genealogy service)
• WeGene (for Asian ancestry)