DNA
TESTING -- PROJECT PROPOSAL
Ruffner
- Rufner – Ruefner – Rufener - Roofner....
Surname-based Family Tree Reconstruction Project
August
24, 2003
DNA Fingerprinting, utilizing Y or mtDNA
chromosome testing, is gaining credence as a genealogical investigative tool
to determine if persons being tested had a common ancestor or are unrelated. Y
chromosome analysis is used for paternal matching, while mtDNA analysis is
used for maternal matching.
The Ruffner – Rufner – Ruefner –
Rufener – Roofner clan is comprised of persons with somewhat
differently-spelled surnames, perhaps deriving from different countries such
as Germany and Switzerland. These
are potential family branches, until specifically eliminated. The purpose of a
DNA Family Reconstruction project is to place individuals conclusively on the
family tree or eliminate them.
This project for the Ruffner - Rufner, etc.
clan will attempt to test multiple known male cousins from each
different family branch or line. The reason for desiring at least two
individuals is the possibility that a match does not exist due to unreported
adoptions, false paternity, etc. If you are a female family member, you might
have a brother or male relative from the Ruffner - Rufner family who would be
willing to be tested. Male participants must carry the Ruffner surname.
While several different tests are possible,
it is recommended that individuals utilize the Y-chromosome 12-marker test
initially. If it seems desirable, the 25 marker test can be undertaken at a
later date. The lab retains the DNA sample and would not have to have a new
sample provided.
What type of DNA test is this? You
will receive a kit with a swabs that you will scrape on the inside of your
cheek. The process is quick and painless.
TESTING
We will utilize Family
Tree DNA for this project. Family Tree DNA utilizes lab facilities at the
University of Arizona.
What does a match with the Y-chromosome
12-marker test tell us? That if you have the surname Ruffner/Rufner
that you are very likely to be related. If you do not match in the
12-marker test then you are not related.
Why would you want to upgrade to the
Y-chromosome 25-marker test? If you do not match in the 12-marker
test, then there is no reason to compare the 25-marker test. But if you
match in the 12-marker test, a match in the 25-marker test will serve as more
conclusive confirmation that you are related. You can also make an
estimation of how many generations removed you are from your common ancestor.
There are some cases where, especially with
those of European descent, where two people may match in a 12-marker test, but
find out in a 25-marker test that they are not related.
PRICING
We are getting the group rate for this testing. The pricing for the Y-Chromosome DNA test is
currently $99 (plus a $2 handling charge)--a total of $101. Once the test has been performed and analysis
completed, it may be desirable to have the 25-marker test performed.
This test can be accomplished at an additional cost of $90.
TESTING
PROCESS
1. Individual indicates desire to
participate and receives materials from the Project Coordinator.
2. Individual completes necessary paperwork, returning it to Project
Coordinator, with appropriate payment.
3. Project Coordinator will, after assigning a unique project ID number for
control purposes, obtain test kits, forward kits to participants, receive the
returned samples and forward them to Family Tree DNA for testing and analysis.
4. In 6-8 weeks results will be returned to individual and Project
Coordinator. If a release form was signed, individuals with exact matches will
also be notified.
5. Project Coordinator will post results to the web.
6. Project will continue to seek additional participants in order to have as
large a sample and data base as possible.
INTERESTED IN
PARTICIPATING?
There are three or more ways to participate in
the project.
1.As a male with the surname of Ruffner,
Rufner, etc. you can participate in the testing activities directly.
2.You can participate by assisting in finding and/or convincing others
to participate.
3. You may be able to help the project
financially. The expense of the testing process may need to be
subsidized for some qualified participants.
TESTING
PARTICIPATION
In order to facilitate project coordination,
we need to have information from participants. There are
two methods for initiating participation.
If can decide to upgrade later to
get more specific and conclusive information without needing to submit an
additional sample for $90.
A release form will be included with each
test kit to assist in the processing of the information and its distribution
to the Project Coordinator.
TESTING
RESULTS
The results of the tests will be provided to
each participant and the Project Coordinator with information about the
meaning of the results. The results will also be entered into Family Tree
DNA's secure, confidential database. The results will be compared to other
markers in the database and notification provided for perfect results.
This process does NOT include any medical
testing and is not utilized for any legal purposes.
The Project Coordinator intends to place
results of the tests on this web page without revealing any identifying
information other than name and test kit number.
PROJECT
INITIATION
This project has been activated effective
August 24,
2003. Potential participants are encouraged to submit necessary documentation
for inclusion in the study.
If anyone knows of Ruffner – Rufner –
Ruefner – Rufener – Roofner family associations with which we might
communicate about the testing project, please let me know the address, e-mail
address and perhaps telephone number.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Dan Ruffner
7534 Fallsridge Lane
West Chester, OH 45069
e-mail link: ruffnerfamily
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