The following tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 24 October 2009:
Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test
11/04/2009, 326, 26802, Refine 12 markers to 37
11/04/2009, 325, 162033, Y-DNA67
11/06/2009, 324, 156888, Deep Clade-R
11/09/2009, 327, 76446, Factoids
11/23/2009, 329, 65267, Kittler test
11/30/2009, 330, 152678, Mega mtDNA
11/30/2009, 330, 162033, Backbone
12/11/2009, 330, 162979, Y-DNA 37
12/11/2009, 330, 163310, Y-DNA 37
12/11/2009, 330, 163387, Y-DNA 37
12/11/2009, 330, 163867, Y-DNA 37
12/07/2009, 331, 124770, Mega mtDNA
12/18/2009, 331, 163446, Y-DNA 37
12/18/2009, 331, 163870, Y-DNA 37
Explanation of tests:
Y-DNA Test: This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test. Women do not have a Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line. There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA: 12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.
MT-DNA Test: This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines, male or female. Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test. FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests: HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence or Mega test.
Backbone Test: When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination. If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup. Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep ancestry.
Deep Clade Test: Once you know your Y chromosome haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing. FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O, and R.
Kittler Test: This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b. By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second. This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b. For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.
Factoids: This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain medical traits or conditions. The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.