About DNA testing DNA and is a new and exciting development for genealogical research. The Perry research project, as a surname project, is primarily concerned with testing the Y-DNA of members. There are, however, several different tests that can be taken and details of these are below. The Perry group was established at Family Tree DNA, although other testing companies are available and Perrys who have tested with another company are welcome to join our project. Taking a DNA test involves taking a swab from the cheek of a participant and sending it into the labs at Ftdna in Houston. Results are usually available in 8-10 weeks. The project admin team for the Perry project are all volunteers who have successfully used DNA testing themselves to help solve their family mysteries. Y-DNA testing The Y chromosome is passed down from father to son in much the same way as surnames usually are. Any male with the surname Perry is welcome to join the Perry DNA Group, as long as they are willing to share their results and information about their family history. Test results will consist of a ‘Haplogroup’, which will confirm your deep ancestral origins in the male line, as well as a sequence of numbers known as a ‘haplotype’. It is this sequence that will be compared to other testers in order to determine a family relationship. You can join the Perry project at: Family Tree DNA testing company. The more markers that are tested, the more accurate the result will be. We recommend that you test at least 37 markers to ensure a reliable result. It is possible to join at a lower level and to upgrade the test at a later date for greater accuracy. The strength of the genetic match can give an estimation of the time to the most recent common ancestor of two men. Y-DNA testing must always be used in conjunction with traditional genealogical research and we encourage communication and sharing of research amongst participants to help solve our family mysteries. Some examples of Perry research success stories can be found here. MtDNA MtDNA is passed from a mother to her children. Men carry the gene, but do not pass it on, so males and females can both be tested. More information about both the paternal (Y-dna) and maternal (mt-dna) tests can be found here. Family Finder The Family finder test is a new offering from Family Tree DNA. This tests genetic material for a relationship between two participants, regardless of whether it is in the male or female line. More information about this exciting new test can be found here. Special offers Family Tree DNA often have special offers, which mean a discount is available on the above tests if two or more are selected. We are interested in results for all three types of test, particularly if they help with your Perry family history. Please consider carefully what you would like to get out of testing before deciding which is appropriate in your particular circumstances.