How to send a DNA test back to America?

[Deer243]

Just ordered a 37 marker Y-DNA test from the Guild of ONS and was wondering what was the best way to get the test back to America? Can it go in a normal parcel or as it's saliva do I have to declare that at the post office and pay extra or anything like that?

[DevonCruwys]

It can be sent back by normal post. When you are asked what is in the package for the customs form say that it is a genealogical kit and don't mention anything about a DNA sample. If you want to be sure it gets there safely you can send it by Airsure which gets it there a bit quicker and also allows you to track the package online. I can't remember offhand how much extra that costs.

[Deer243]

Great, thanks

[Deer243]

Sorry, but I've got another question!

If I was to buy an upgrade to 111 markers would FTDNA be able to test to 111 marker level straight away or would they have to do 37 first and then 111 because the kit I bought was 37 marker?

I would have gone for 111 straight away but it would work out cheaper doing it this way because of the GOONS discount.

[corinne]

I'm sure you could just go to your familytreeDNA project page (using the kit number to log in) and order (and pay for) the upgrade online straight away.   If you bought the original kit through GOONS then make sure you update the name and address details attached to the kit number and that they match what you wrote on any forms you sent with the test kit.

[DevonCruwys]

You can just order an upgrade once you've had the 37-marker test done. Depending on how quickly you need the results it might be best to wait for the next upgrade sale. There's usually one upgrade sale every year though I can't remember offhand when it normally takes place.

[Deer243]

Thanks for the advice, I managed to order a 111 upgrade just before they batched my test. I'm waiting for the result now and should hopefully get it between 23rd Dec and 6th Jan if they are on time.