Harriman Y-DNA FAQ

Here are answers to some questions that we have been asked about the project.
Stephen Gauss, project administrator

Q: Why Family Tree DNA?
A: We are using Family Tree DNA because they are one of only a few major DNA companies specializing in genealogy and the only one specifically testing the y chromosome. ancestry, myheritage, 23andme all do autosomal testing, which is useful for finding close relatives, but is unreliable beyond a few generations back.

Q: Will this affect my medical insurance?
A: No, the DNA used for genealogy testing is called "junk" DNA. It has not been found to have any function related to physical characteristics. Only a few of the 50+ million bases of the Y-chromosome are tested. Other companies, such as 23andme are more focused on testing for medical issues.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: The test involves taking a scraping from inside the cheek. It is really not even a scraping - it is more like rubbing your cheek with a small toothbrush for about a minute, so that it will pick up the cells that are continuously being shed.

Q: What is the Genographic Project?
A: This study by the national Geographic Society has gotten a lot of publicity lately. It uses some of the results of DNA testing to try to detemrine the original roots of all humans. This program uses the same lab as familytreedna.com and results that we obtain through the Harriman surname project can be provided to the Genographic Project for a small fee. That will be your option, when you receive your results.

Q: Is this likely to help me find my ancestor?
A: Y-DNA testing is at its most powerful when used with the existing paper records in trying to prove (or disprove) a theory or connection between two males with the same or similar surname. It is also used to compare many males with the same surname as part of a surname project. This is just the situation that exists in the Harriman line.

Q: How many Harrimans do we need to particpate?
A: The more the better, of course. However, once a few with known lines are tested, there is little gain to be had from testing others known to be of the same line.

Q: Can women participate?
A: Certainly. Women with the Harriman name do not have the Y-chromosome. If they had inherited it, they would be men! However, they can help convince a male Harriman relative - father, husband, brother, cousin - to take the test or help with funding.