Paternal Ancestry Test (Y-DNA)
CA$196
Where do your ancestors come from?
The paternal ancestry test can help answer that question! We test your Y-DNA to trace your paternal origins (your father’s, father’s, father’s … origins) to find out 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 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.
What do we test?
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.
Other tests you may be interested in
We also offer a Maternal Ancestry test to trace your maternal line (your mother’s, mother’s, mother’s… lineage). Order both a paternal and maternal ancestry test together in our Ancestry Combo to learn even more about your ancestral origins. NOTE: Only males are able to take the Paternal Ancestry test and the Ancestry Combo.
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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