This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Robinson Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/3cDBAIB/8213.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Hi all, I am the cousin of Robin who got our other cousin tested. Since doing that, I have found that you really need to read a little about the markers and how these labs test. We used FTDNA, which will be fine, but I am now aware that each lab has some differences in how they test. FTDNA uses some pretty well accepted markers, but other labs use some of the same but may exclude some in the basic tests. Some results require that you add or subtract some numbers to individual markers when making comparisons. I think overall, FTDNA has results that compare well with others. Make sure you will be able to let other people see those results. I have noticed that some companies like Oxford Ancestors only allow those who are in their program view results. If you choose a company that does that you may want to consider posting your results at another location such as Y-Search that lets you enter your results and compare them with others. It also gives you some other tools to see others with similar results. Another site, Y Base (http://www.ybase.org/ ) has statistics that will give you some more understanding of the DNA testing and how certain markers fit into certain haplogroups. It also shows a frequency of markers among those whose results have been posted. (For example, our cousin has one marker, DYS 390, which tested at 26; this is very rare, so may be a real help down the line if we find another Robinson with the same marker). Good luck in your hunt, Rebecca