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How our Process works

Launched in July 2018, we are the first company in the world to offer commercially-available testing of envelopes, postcards with stamp/s, aerogrammes and other artefacts from deceased relatives for genealogical purposes. We are based in Brisbane, Australia and accept orders from all over the world. Our orders are processed in the USA.

Our aim is to generate an autosomal DNA (atDNA) text file compatible for use with GEDmatch, a free genealogy database where people who have tested across any of the commercial DNA genealogy providers upload their DNA file. This file may be generated using Illumina’s Global Screening Array (GSA) (the cheapest but least likely processing option as DNA quality must be good) or Whole Genome Sequencing (expensive but more tolerant of degraded DNA).

The process is as follows:

  1. Visual Inspection - The customer sends a photo and information regarding the artefact to info@totheletterDNA.com. We will let the customer know whether the artefact is suitable for extraction and the customer places an order after agreeing to our Terms and Conditions.

  1. Extraction - We undertake extraction and determine if any DNA is present ($200USD).

  2. Pass 1 - Quality Analysis - We undertake a quality assessment to determine if human DNA is present, and whether it is suitable for further processing. If the DNA is good, we can provide the mitochondrial haplogroup and (for male DNA) the YDNA haplogroup at this point ($395USD)

  3. Pass 2 -Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) - In most cases, WGS is the only processing option for customer artefacts. WGS provides an autosomal DNA file (suitable for upload to GEDmatch), and mtDNA and YDNA data. The WGS FASTQ file is available to customers. There are two possible sequencing options, depending on the quality of the DNA. The cost for WGS is either $1400USD or $1600USD, depending on depth of sequencing required.

  4. We email the autosomal DNA file to the customer, and a cloud link to the FASTQ file from WGS (on request).

  5. Other Services include (contact us for pricing):

    FFPE-based extractions and hospital / lab liaison

    Microarray genotyping (if DNA quality is sufficient)

    Obtaining DNA from a just-deceased person (call us on +61 484 939 525 for more information)

We advise our customers that there is always a possibility that DNA will not be found in the sample (identified at the Extraction stage), or that the DNA will be degraded to the degree that it cannot be progressed (identified at the Quality Analysis stage). Whole Genome Sequencing may also fail, although we are able to provide an assessment of confidence before a customer progresses to this stage. If WGS does fail, we will provide a refund to the customer except for our costs.

There is also the possibility that the DNA will not belong to the person the customer anticipates. We take precautions to remove DNA from the exterior of an envelope to reduce the possibility of contamination. This is more difficult with other artefacts such as brushes and razors. Customers accept these risks when placing an order.

Our pricing is in US Dollars due to our laboratory processing taking place in the USA and because of this our costs are also in US Dollars. Some artefact types may incur an extra charge due to more involved extraction procedures or return of item to the customer. We will advise you of this prior to you placing an order.

We are an Australian-registered company ACN 626 042 028 / ABN 97 625 793 808 and operate in accordance with Australian laws and legislation.

Updated January 2024