How can I get free y-chromosonal and ethnic dna testing?

Question

I can only trace my direct male line back to c. 1823, to the bastard son of one Hannah Bridgwaters of Stoke, St. Milborough, Shropshire, from whom we got our surname. I want to find out whether my y-chromosone is originally Saxon, Nordic or Celtic in origin and perhaps discover what my true surname should be and who the father of Thomas Bridgwater (b.c.1823) was.

Also, my mother may have Native American ancestors and I would very much like to take an ethnicity test to determine whether this is true or false. Are there any ways that I can get free genetic testing?

Answer 1

Hey darth_mau...,

You should read through the information in all of the sites below first. Then pick what is best for you. There are several information sites included.

Answer 2

The Center, in response to my question about establishing one's Native heritage said: "To date there is no test which can determine a person's race or heritage. We can perform DNA testing to determine parentage, but not whether someone is of a particular racial or ethnic origin. If there is a match or biological relationship within the Native American population between two or more persons, to my knowledge there must also be supporting documents to provide the proof of all facts and then must to be considered by the Native American counsel. DNA testing is the most conclusive and widely accepted method to test for paternity to date (over the use/method of HLA testing.)" Cellmark Diagnostics indicated that racial typing is not done nor were they aware of a test that would provide that information.

Answer 3

The docs who use labs for genetic markers and testing are endocrinologists. If you call the office of one of these, you can get a recommendation of a lab in your area. Or, just make an appt. with an endocrinologist. They use labs for all sorts of tests--for example, genetic markers for diabetes, antibodies (expressed in the blood) to many diseases.