How to read the test results.
The table below represents a shortened version of the actual table used to show a DNA test results. It shows 12 of the 25 markers that most of the participants had tested.
| Marker | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
| DYS# | |||||||||||||
| Part ID# |
3 9 3 |
3 9 0 |
1 9 * |
3 9 1 |
3 8 5 a |
3 8 5 b |
4 2 6 |
3 8 8 |
4 3 9 |
3 8 9 i |
3 9 2 |
3 8 9 ii |
Ancestor # |
| 3947 | 13 | 26 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 29 | 0001 |
In this instance the numbers (1-12) across the top of the table are the marker numbers. They have no significance other than as an easy way to refer to the marker. Note: FamilyTree DNA refers to these numbers as Locus. The second set of numbers across the top of the matrix are DYS# (the actual marker names).
The numbers down the left side of the table identify the participant in the DNA project. The numbers down the right side of the table identify the participant's oldest known ancestor.
The rest of the numbers are the Allele (the number repeats), also known as STR's (short tandem repeats) for each participant at the specified marker.
When the Y chromosome is tested, a 'haplotype' is obtained. This is simply a sequence of numbers from each marker. It is possible when several family members are tested to establish a family haplotype or a modal haplotype for a specific family. Using haplotype it is possible to trace a regional locality for one's early ancestor. For example certain haplotypes or clusters of haplotypes can be associated with areas such as the Outer Hebrides, Ireland, Scotland etc