Family Tree DNA announces launch of Family Finder DNA test

Family Tree DNA, the first and largest genealogical DNA testing company, today announced the launch of the Family Finder DNA test for connecting family members across all ancestral lines. The test utilizes Affymetrix' (NASDAQ:AFFX) recently launched Axiom™ genotyping technology and the GeneTitan^® System to confidently match a wide range of family relationships within five generations.

“The comprehensive, genome-wide coverage of Axiom Arrays enables us to offer consumers the most advanced genealogical test available at a price that is attractive to our customers. In addition, the automated GeneTitan System allows us to process hundreds of samples at a time with minimal hands-on time for maximum efficiency.”

Family Finder represents a major advancement over earlier genealogical tests, which revealed only connections along specific paternal lines (for males) or maternal lines (males or females). Family Finder enables anyone, regardless of gender, to look for connections such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, half siblings, and first, second, third, and fourth cousins.

"This is the most exciting genetic genealogy breakthrough since 2000, when Family Tree DNA launched its Y-DNA test to uncover relatives in the direct paternal line," said Bennett Greenspan, founder and CEO of Family Tree DNA. "The comprehensive, genome-wide coverage of Axiom Arrays enables us to offer consumers the most advanced genealogical test available at a price that is attractive to our customers. In addition, the automated GeneTitan System allows us to process hundreds of samples at a time with minimal hands-on time for maximum efficiency."

The Family Finder test analyzes the DNA of two individuals using Axiom Array Plates containing nearly 570,000 genetic markers, including many that are relevant to genealogy. Family Tree DNA then analyzes the resulting data with internally developed algorithms to determine the closeness of the relationship. The complete Axiom Genotyping Solution includes array plates, complete reagent kits, and an automated workflow that enables scientists to process more than 760 samples per week.

Family Tree DNA offers counseling services, tutorials, and other helpful tools to assist in the genealogy and matching process, and provides names and email addresses of matched individuals whenever possible for easy communication.

"The Family Finder test represents a huge step forward for the direct-to-consumer genetic genealogy market and the application of microarray technology," said Kevin King, president and CEO of Affymetrix. "Now anyone can utilize the power of the Axiom Genotyping Solution and the GeneTitan System to find and connect with a broader range of family members than ever before."