|
Choosing a Test
The first step is to verify that you - or someone you know - is an eligible
participant. All males with the van der Merwede surname are invited to take part
in the study.
The study looks at the Y-chromosome. Because females do not have the
Y-chromosome, they can only participate indirectly through a male van der Merwede
relative (father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, etc.).
|
If you're unable to participate, but know someone who is, please consider one of the following options.
-
Let that person know about the study and this website so they
can learn more and possibly participate on their own.
-
Sponsor a participant by paying
for all or part of the cost of the test. (a donation of $1 envn helps, do what you can.)
|
The second step is to decide which test to order. There are three to
choose from: 12-, 37- or 66-marker. The 37-marker test uses the same
markers as the 12-marker test, plus 25 others. Likewise, the 66-marker
test uses the same markers as the 37-marker test, plus 29 others. That
means results between participants using different tests will still be
compatible. However, the validity and usefulness of any match is greater
with the 37- and 66-marker tests.
If you complete a 12- or 37-marker test, then later wish to upgrade,
you can do so without having to resubmit your DNA. This is known as a
refine test. Please note that refines require an extra fee.
The cost to each participant is listed below. Since this study has been
organized as a group, we're eligible for reduced prices from Family Tree
DNA.
|
Initial Test
|
Refine (Upgrade)
|
| Y-DNA 12-marker test |
$99
|
Y-DNA refine 12 to 37 |
$109
|
| Y-DNA 37-marker test |
$189
|
Y-DNA refine 12 to 66 |
$199
|
| Y-DNA 66-marker test |
$269
|
Y-DNA refine 37 to 66 |
$109
|
All prices are in U.S. dollars
|
Once the type of test has been decided, each participant must submit
the following items to the study coordinator:
-
Application - must be submitted electronically when ordering test kit through the link provided at the end of these overviews
-
Pedigree chart - must be submitted to the project manager
-
Release of liability / liability waiver - must be printed, signed,
then mailed
-
Release of information form - must be printed, signed, then mailed with your returned test
The purpose of the pedigree chart is to facilitate lineage comparisons. It should therefore go back as far as possible along your van der Merwede line, and include as many dates and maiden names as possible.
The purpose of the information release form is to allow your contact
information and pedigree chart to be published on this website. If you
wish to publish any or all of those items, you must print and sign the
information release form, then mail it to the study coordinator. (Published
pedigree charts will not contain living individuals.)
The final step in the signup process is to go to the Family Tree DNA
website to order the test kit and pay the reduced fee.
Here's a summary of how to choose your test and sign up:
-
Verify that you or someone you know is eligible to participate.
-
Decide whether to request the 12-, 37- or 66-marker test.
-
Submit (1) an application, (2) pedigree chart, (3) release of liability
/ liability waiver, and (4) release of information form to the study
coordinator.
-
Go to the Family Tree DNA site to submit a join request and order
a test.
|
