Family Tree DNA accepts the responsibility to keep your specific data private, at the same time, making enough general information public to allow us to build a Surnames Database library to be used for genealogical purposes.

To accomplish this Family Tree DNA allows you to do the following:
You will search the existing Surnames Database Library to see if the surname you are searching is already there. If it is you may order your DNA test kit and return to search to see that the database has increased under your surname. If the name you want to search is not there you may order your test kit and then return the database to see your Surname registered. When you actually place your order you will be asked to enter the Surname that you are searching.

Your order will contain typical order information, allowing us to contact you if an exact genetic match is found, (provided you have signed the Release Form) now or in the future. This contact information, like a typical order, will require a physical address and an email address

Your unique locator number will accompany your collection tube to the testing lab. The computer-generated number and your Surname, i.e. Smith, Glennon, Rothschild is the only information about you that the testing facility will see. Once your test has been completed, the results of the Y-DNA or MtDNA (Mitochrondrial DNA is from the female side) will be entered in a secure database. A comparison between your specific genetic markers and those of others in the database will then be performed.

If a genetic match is found between you and another person when you have ordered, paid for, and submitted both (or multiple) samples (you and a theoretical relative) you will be informed via email.

If a genetic match is found between you and another individual who enters the library at some time in the future, both will be given the information that a potential match is in the database provided that BOTH of you have signed the Release Form. Only if both parties agree will contact information concerning the separate parties be made available to the other party. In this way, all persons in the database will have the right to decide if they want to contact their probable genetic match(es).

Your unique number and your surname but no other information is all that the lab will be provided by Family Tree DNA, unless you decide to participate in a study conducted by the University of Arizona.
(FTDNA study link)

Only Family Tree DNA will have the ability to cross-reference your unique test kit number with the personal information you provided us in order to determine the names and contact information of family match(es). Privacy and confidentiality will be strictly maintained.

A "relevant match"as stated in the Release Form is either one of the following:
12/12 match
23/25, 24/25 and 25/25 33/37, 34/37, 35/37,
36/37 and 37/37.