Combo Ancestry Test (mtDNA & Y-DNA)
$238
Where do your ancestors come from?
The Ancestry Combo can help answer that question! We test your Y-DNA to trace your paternal origins (your father’s, father’s, father’s … origins) and from the same DNA sample, we test your mitochondrial (mtDNA) to trace your maternal origins (your mother’s, mother’s, mother’s … origins). We can tell you where your ancestors once lived. In the process, we can help to identify long-lost relatives. This test is especially useful for people who have been adopted and wish to find biological relatives.
- The Complete Ancestry Picture: Trace both your maternal and paternal lineages with one comprehensive test.
- Two Journeys, One Test: Uncover the unique history and migration paths from both sides of your family.
- Best Value for Males: The most complete option for biological males wanting to explore their full ancestral story.
- Connect to Your Heritage: Gain a much richer understanding of who you are and where you come from.
How it Works
Order your DNA Kit
Place your order online, and we’ll send you a DNA test kit with everything you need to collect your samples.
Collect DNA Samples
Follow the detailed, step-by-step instructions to collect DNA samples using the provided mouth swabs.
Lab Analysis
Use the provided return envelope to mail your DNA samples to our laboratory for analysis.
Receive Results
Download your results from your secure online account as soon as they’re ready.
What is mtDNA and Y-DNA?
What is mtDNA?
Mitochondrial DNA is the circular DNA found inside the mitochondria. Each cell contains several mitochondria and each mitochondrion contains dozens of copies of the 16,569 base pairs of mtDNA. So, in every cell there can be thousands of copies of mtDNA, which differs from only two copies per cell of the linear and much larger nuclear genome. Each individual inherits mtDNA from only their mother. Hence there is no mixing (recombination) of the mtDNA from generation to generation. As mtDNA essentially remains unchanged through the maternal line, it provides an incredibly useful way to trace maternal ancestry.
What is Y-DNA?
Y-DNA refers to the DNA on the male sex chromosome, the Y chromosome. We each have 23 pairs of chromosomes: 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and two sex chromosomes, the X and Y chromosomes. Females inherit an X chromosomes from each parent (but no Y chromosome). Males inherit an X chromosome from their mother and a Y chromosome from their father. Very little recombination (mixing) occurs between the X and Y chromosomes in males. Hence the Y-DNA essentially remains unchanged through the paternal line, providing an incredibly useful way to trace paternal ancestry.
About Ancestry Testing
Your mtDNA genome contains 16,569 base pairs. That is 16,569 different places that a DNA change can occur! DNA SNP chips (used by many ancestry testing companies) detect less than 20% of all these possible changes. We use Sanger Sequencing, the GOLD standard for DNA sequencing, to identify every single base pair. If you carry a mtDNA genetic variant, our technology will detect it, GUARANTEED.
The mtDNA genome contains three regions: two hypervariable regions (HVR1 and HVR2) and the more conserved coding region. You have the following choices when ordering a maternal ancestry test:
- Sequence just one or both of your hypervariable regions so that you can accurately compare your mtDNA to published data from hundreds of famous historical figures and ethnic groups around the world.
- Upgrade to the full mtDNA genome sequence (HVR1 + HVR2 + coding region) to confirm your ancient maternal history (mtDNA haplogroup and subclade).
Y-DNA contains both slow and fast-changing genetic markers. DNA SNP chips (used by many other ancestry companies) detect only slow-changing SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). These slow-changing markers are excellent for tracing ancient ancestry, but are not useful for anything recent (i.e. the last few hundred years). If you want to use your DNA to help build your family tree, you need to look at fast-changing genetic markers – STRs (short tandem repeats). Our ancestry test detects STRs found on your Y chromosome.
You can choose to analyze 20, 44 or 101 different Y-DNA STRs with our paternal ancestry. The choice is yours! However, the more markers you choose to analyze, the higher the resolution will be in detecting paternal ancestry. Compare your Y-DNA to published data from hundreds of famous historical figures and ethnic groups around the world. Our test even allows two males to pinpoint the number of generations since they have shared a common ancestor.
Who can take this test?
Any male of any age can take this test. As females do not carry Y-DNA this test can not be conducted on a female DNA sample. Females carry two X chromosomes, while males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. If you are a female, and wish to trace your paternal ancestry, you can choose to test a direct male line relative, such as your father, brother or a paternal uncle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Combo Ancestry Test?
This test allows you to trace both your maternal and paternal roots in a single, comprehensive package. It combines the power of our Maternal Ancestry (mtDNA) test and our Paternal Ancestry (Y-DNA) test to give you a more complete picture of your ancient heritage.
Who should take the Combo Ancestry Test?
This test is specifically for biological males who want to explore both sides of their family tree simultaneously. Since only males have Y-DNA, they are the only ones who can take this combined test to trace both their paternal and maternal lineages directly. 10
How do I collect a DNA sample for this test?
The process is simple and non-invasive. Even though you are taking two tests, you only need to provide one sample. The kit includes everything you need to painlessly collect a sample of cheek cells using a mouth swab at home.
What if a female wants to trace both ancestral lines?
A female can trace her maternal line directly with our mtDNA test. To trace her paternal line, she will need to ask a biological male relative from her father’s side (such as her father, brother, paternal uncle, or paternal grandfather) to take a Y-DNA test.
How will I receive my results?
You will receive two separate, detailed reports: one for your maternal lineage based on your mtDNA, and one for your paternal lineage based on your Y-DNA. This allows you to clearly see the distinct story and migratory path of each side of your family.
Why should I test both lineages?
Your DNA connects you to all of your ancestors, and testing both your maternal and paternal lines provides a much richer and more complete understanding of your heritage. It unlocks the stories from both sides of your family, giving you a dual perspective on where you come from.
Is your testing facility reputable and accredited?
How will I receive my results?
How long does it take to get results?
Once your sample is received by our laboratory, processing usually takes 6-8 weeks. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready, and you can access your detailed report through a secure online portal.
Is the testing process confidential?
Yes, your confidentiality is guaranteed. From the discreet packaging of the test kit to the secure delivery of your results, we ensure your privacy is protected every step of the way.
Why DNA Tests Direct?
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