My Personal Experience with Oxford Ancestry
Genealogy DNA Testing Services    Contact

In the beginning of 2003, I visited my great Aunt on the East Coast.   In telling her about the family history that I had learned at that time and the DNA tests available she decided to participate.   She was especially interested in the Matri-line test which my mother had also taken.    I took 2 samples using the DNA sampling swabs from GeneTree.    I sent these, along with payment, to Oxford Ancestry.    I never received results, did not receive the samples (my Aunt since passed away), and did not receive an explanation or even a reply from Oxford.    The only thing they succeeded in doing was charging me in full for the test.    You can see my e-mails requesting the status below.   

It is possible that the slightly different swabs posed a difficulty for them -- though they have never replied.   Both FamilyTree and GeneTree will use swabs provided by the other or Oxford.   However, if Oxford is not able to do so they should return the sample and offer an explanation.   They should certainly not charge for a test not performed.   Given their lack regard for the DNA sample provided, their failure to communicate, and their failure to follow through on the test, I would not recommend using Oxford for any DNA testing.

Sent March 04, 2003  (no response received from Oxford)

Hi Julie,

 

Thank you for your e-mail.   Ethel lives on the east coast of the U.S. in a nursing home (she is in her 90s).   Her son had to help collect the sample so they were sent cotton swabs in advance of the arrival of the kit from Oxford.   Is the sample in tact?

 

Kindest Regards,

 

Gary Miller
 

----- Original Message -----

From: Oxford Ancestors

To: naturdoc@pacbell.net

Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2003 5:03 AM

Subject: Ms Clare Tomal's sample

 

Dear Mr Miller

 

Further to the  sample for Ms Ethel Smith, we notice that she has not used our sampling brush but has instead two Q tips instead.  Please could you let me know the reason for this.

Best wishes

 

Mrs Julie Sheppard

Customer Liaison

Sent June 20, 2003  (no response received from Oxford) (the below was sent in response to a form e-mail sent to me by Oxford)

Thank you for your e-mail.   I returned the sampling kit and it was received
by Oxford the beginning of March.   However, I never received any e-mail
response regarding the status except for the initial e-mail confirming
receipt below.  (I also include my reply of March 4th).   Thank you in
advance for letting me the fate of the sample either way.
---------------------------------------

Sent June 16, 2003 (no response received from Oxford)

Please send status/confirmation of the Matri-line test ordered for Ethel
Smith by Gary Miller.   It was sent in February but to date I have not
received any response regarding the sample or results.

Thank you,

Gary Miller
 

Sent May 13, 2003  (no response received from Oxford)

Hello,

A few months ago I ordered a Y-line test for myself and a Matri-line test
for my mother's aunt.  I've received the Y-line test a month ago but not the
Matri-line test.

My name is:  Gary Miller 
My aunt is: Ethel Smith

Thank you for any information on the status of her report.

Kindest Regards,

Gary Miller