DNAprint Genomics (DNAG)

[sam1933]

CRC Report for Congress

…That may be somewhat of a help to him…

Genetic Ancestry Testing

Amanda K. Sarata
Analyst in Health Policy and Genetics
Domestic Social Policy Division
Order Code RS22830
March 12, 2008


Overview of Genetic Ancestry Testing
There is significant interest in the United States, a country predominantly composed
of fairly recent immigrants, in utilizing genealogical research to learn more about
individual ancestral roots. Until recently, genealogists had only the traditional tools of
their trade available to them to conduct this research, such as historical documents and
other paper records. More recently, with the commercialization of genetic ancestry testing,
genealogists and others have gained access to a new tool. Genetic ancestry testing may be
used to identify biological relatives, validate genealogical records, and to fill in gaps in
family histories.1 In addition, this testing may be used to aid in medical risk calculation,
forensic investigations, admixture mapping,2 and the assessment of ancestry for sociopolitical
purposes such as affirmative action qualification or Native American tribal affiliation.3 This report considers only non-health and non-forensic applications of
genetic ancestry testing.
http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RS22830_20080312.pdf

…it is estimated
that roughly 460,000 people have undergone testing at a cost ranging anywhere from $100
to $900 per test.6 These tests are termed “recreational” in deference to and in contrast
with genetic tests performed for health or forensic purposes…


…The third type of testing, autosomal marker testing, utilizes
markers located on autosomes (non-sex chromosomes). It is currently offered by a
company called DNAPrint Genomics. Autosomal marker testing is the most challenging
type of testing since it requires a substantial amount of data to ensure the accurate
interpretation of the results…