Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Ancestry Dramatically Reduces Price of DNA Test

Ancestry.com just announced that it has reduced the prices of its genetic genealogy DNA tests.

Effectively immediately, the 33-marker paternal lineage test is now $79 (down from $149). The paternal lineage test analyzes DNA in the Y chromosome, which is passed virtually unchanged from father to son. Advanced paternal lineage tests, maternal lineage tests (which looks at mitochondrial DNA passed from a mother to her children), and combination paternal and maternal lineage testing options are also part of the product suite.

Similar DNA tests typically cost more than $150. Many test options priced in the $79 range usually test fewer markers and can be less genealogically useful.

“Ancestry.com has built a reputation synonymous with family history, and we think that DNA testing is a great complement to membership in our core service,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of The Generations Network, Inc., parent company of Ancestry.com.

“Our very clear goal is to build the world’s largest database of genetic genealogy results. Substantially reducing the price of our 33-marker paternal lineage test will allow more people than ever before to unlock the mystery of their ancient origins and to find living relatives from around the world.”

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful thing I believe for so many who could not afford the 33 marker before , but I hope that Ancestry is not in any kind of trouble.