Combo Ancestry Test (mtDNA & Y-DNA)
CA$330
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.
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
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.
We take data privacy seriously. Your results are confidential and only shared with you. We do not share your results with insurance companies, employers, or any other third parties.
Why DNA Tests Direct?
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