"ISFG" in the lab standard drop down box uses marker values consistent with the nomenclature guidelines published in 2006 by the DNA Commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics (ISFG). This standard differs from NIST by one locus, GATA H4.1.

In 2009, the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) proposed that genetic genealogy companies adopt an industry-wide standard for reporting YSTR markers. The intent was to promote consistency and compatibility of DNA results obtained from different companies.

These marker values are based on guidance provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for YSTR markers historically reported differently by various companies (Butler, 2008).

As of August 2009, in compliance with ISOGG's proposal, SMGF uses NIST values as the default values for searching the SMGF Y-chromosome database. The NIST standard is the same as SMGF's previous default standard (ISFG) for all markers except GATA-H4.1.

Because it will take time for the industry as a whole to adopt the NIST standard, we encourage you to contact your DNA test provider to verify the nomenclature standard used to determine your genotype before choosing from the lab standard drop down box. Doing so will ensure proper conversions are applied.

A DNA standard refers to the specific nomenclature, or set of rules, DNA testing companies use to designate Y-STR allele values. In certain cases, different labs use different nomenclatures to designate the same Y-STR allele. Thus, a conversion must be applied in these cases to accurately compare Y-STR results obtained from different companies.

Historically, some DNA testing companies have changed the standards used to designate allele values. We encourage you to contact your DNA test provider to verify the nomenclature standard used to determine your genotype before choosing from the lab standard drop down box. Doing so will ensue proper conversions are applied to your DNA values.