Family Tree DNA Launches DNATraits, A New DNA Testing Company

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Bennett Greenspan and Max Blankfeld [I apologize for the previous misspelling of Greenspan’s and Blankfeld’s names] of the genetic genealogy testing company Family Tree DNA have launched a new service called DNATraits to examine a customer’s DNA for evidence of genetic disease. According to the website, DNATraits:

“provides direct-to-consumer genetic data from tests conducted on individual DNA samples. DNATraits offers tests that are broader in scope and less expensive than any in the world, complete with a free consultation with our genetic counselors before testing (optional) and a free consultation after testing (required) to discuss your results.”

DNATraits claims that their service is different from other DNA testing companies, as explained in their comparison page. Notably, the process of returning the results to the consumer appears to be different from some other companies: the DNA results are returned to the “DNATraits medical doctor for review and confirmation” before being sent to a genetic counselor. The customer is then emailed and directed to set up a telephone appointment with the genetic counselor. After the consultation, the customer is given direct access to all their test results.

The DNATraits website has tutorials available on their website, including ‘How the Testing Process Works‘ and ‘Frequently Asked Questions,’ and I love the figures in ‘Introduction to Inheritance.’

The company was established by two long-time members of the genetic genealogy community: “With years of experience in genotyping for large corporations and delivery of DNA-related information to hundreds of thousands of customers, a group of scientists and entrepreneurs formed DNATraits to lead a paradigm shift in the way DNA tests related to inherited traits are made available to the general public.” See the ‘About Us‘ page.

Interestingly, the company also offers extended memberships to customers. The Standard Membership ($50) includes a DNA collection kit, any one test offered, free genetic counseling, and storage of DNA for five years. The Premium membership ($150) includes a DNA extraction kit, any one test offered, free genetic counseling, storage of DNA for five years, and a 25% discount on individual tests and 10% discount on panel tests for two years.

DNATraits currently offers the following tests:

Group Tests:

Individual Tests:

HT: Rootsweb’s GENEALOGY-DNA mailing list.

21 Responses

  1. Pingback: Genetic Future
  2. ds 22 February 2008 / 9:34 pm

    It would be nice if one of the “Group Tests” would be “test all which are currently offered.”

  3. Blaine Bettinger 22 February 2008 / 10:33 pm

    Dirk – I hadn’t thought of that. Sure would keep the genetic counselor busy, wouldn’t it?

  4. Hsien Lei 27 February 2008 / 8:12 am

    Just wanted to point out that although DNA Traits is being compared to DNA Direct, there are some major differences between the two companies. DNA Direct offers genetic counseling with oversight from a medical geneticist, plus the genetic counseling piece is web-enabled for complete access to results and information as the consumer needs it. We also use CLIA-certified labs. For more information, please see our clearly laid out standards.

    Disclaimer: I work for DNA Direct as a genetic information specialist.

    Hsien Lei’s last blog post..Ann Turner on Personal Genomics Companies 23andMe vs deCODEme

  5. Blaine Bettinger 28 February 2008 / 10:53 am

    Thanks for highlighting some of the differences Hsien. I’m unable to find any reference to lab certification on the DNATraits site.

  6. dnaattorney 29 June 2009 / 4:53 pm

    I’m a big fan of DNA testing, I find it useful in many areas of activity, including this one.

  7. Adele Blankfield 11 March 2010 / 1:03 am

    I have the Blankfield family tree. I left South Africa for Australia 45 years ago. Email me or phone me at 61-3-9853-8637. I will be overseas and not contactable from March 27 tillApril 28.
    Adele

  8. boutrosdu93 12 October 2012 / 1:01 am

    is it only for the Jews elite Ashkenazi….

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