Maternal Lineage Test
$199.00
What Is A Mitochondrial DNA Test?
Our maternal lineage test is also referred to as a mtDNA test. MtDNA testing may be the right test if you want to determine whether you and another person (or multiple people) come from the same maternal line. For example, you may want to determine if you have the same mother, or grandmother, or even great grandmother.
A Mitochondrial DNA test examines each test participants matrilineal (mother-line) relationship line through their mitochondria, which are passed from the mother to each of her children. All of us has mitochondria, and therefore either a biological male or female can take part in the mtDNA test. This is different from a Y-chromosome DNA test, where the Y-Chromosome is passed on from male to male by the father. Mitochondrial DNA is passed on from the female down the female ancestral line, and is very unique to that female line. Each individuals’ mtDNA sequences are compared to see if they share certain regions of the DNA that indicate they come from the same maternal line.
The analysis will help confirm, or eliminate, your relationship to relatives through the maternal/female line. It can also help provide important information in a situation where maternity is in question, but the suspected biological mother is unavailable for a maternity test. While maternity itself can’t be determined, it can be determined that the child’s relationship to a possible maternal relative exists.
MtDNA rarely undergoes genetic mutations and therefore we can offer 100% accurate results.
Reasons To Consider Mitochondrial Testing
MtDNA testing can resolve many answers for you This test can help if two people are unsure about their biological maternal lineage due to separation, adoption, or a myriad of other causes.
- To verify a biological relationship with a possible relative on your maternal line
- Confirming information when a question of maternity arises, when a possible mother is not available for testing
- Obtain information that can help with your medical history
Many people are familiar with a form of this test as it is used is some ancestry and genealogy studies. Our testing is a little different, as the mtDNA test we are offering provides scientific confirmation of more recent family relationships. One example of how this test can be used, from the list above, is that perhaps you have found a possible relative from an ancestry test, and want to confirm that relationship actually exists. Since verification of relationships can only be done on a person to person DNA test, this comparative analysis will let you know whether or not your mtDNA sequences are consistent, or not consistent, with the person in question. This will result in a conclusion on whether you, and the possible relative(s) are, or are not, related through a common female ancestor, however ee cannot determine specific relationship or which specific maternal relative is shared.
The mtDNA testing results are available to you in 12-14 days from the time the lab receives all DNA samples. These results, of course, are 100% private and the DNA profiles, or results, are never shared with anyone other than the person ordering the test.
How Much Does A Mitochondrial Test Cost?
Unlike some other DNA test, only buccal swabs (or cotton swabs if your are using our Make Your Own Kit – MYOK option) can be used for the DNA collection. We are unable to accept alternative types of items to determine if DNA if present on them in mtDNA testing.
We understand how important this test is, and we will always provide you with the most accurate testing results at the lowest possible cost. Your cost will depend on several factors, with the most important one being who is available to test.
| Number Of People Testing |
|---|
| Two people testing – $199 |
| Each additional person – $100 |
Often Asked Questions About Mitochondrial DNA Tests
How Many Generations Back Can You Determine If We Are Related?
This test can test for a related female line up to 4 past generations.
Do Sibling Have The Same Mitochondrial DNA?
Yes, siblings from the same mother have the same mitochondrial DNA. In fact, any two people will have an identical mitochondrial DNA sequence if they are related by an unbroken maternal lineage.
Can I Test For DNA On Something Other Than A Mouth Swab?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the type of analysis that needs to be done in this type of DNA test, we are only able to test from buccal cells obtained in a mouth swab for each person participating.
What If Those Testing Live In Different Locations?
This is very common. When ordering, indicate how many DNA collection kits are needed (one per address) and then indicate where they are to be sent. The DNA samples don’t need to arrive at the lab at the same time, and are matched by a unique case number when the do get to the lab. Once all samples arrive, testing beings and we will notify you by email.
Will This Test Tell My About My Ancestry?
This test will help you determine your biological ancestry maternal line, however it does not provide you with information that is common on some “ancestry” tests, such as what your ethnicity might be.
How Is The DNA Test Different From Your Other Tests?
The most important different is the in this test, an individual DNA profile is not created to compare to other profiles at a later date. The mtDNA test for female lineage determines whether or whether the tested individuals share a relationship through an unbroken female line, not which specific relationship is shared. A mother & child, grandmother & grandchild, maternal aunt (the mother’s sister) and niece or nephew, as well as cousins whose mothers might be sisters, and many other possible case scenarios are examples.
What Does Mitochondrial DNA Indicate?
Mitochondrial DNA is passed on directly from mother to child and is part of your DNA heritage. It can be analyzed to give you ancestral information about your mother, your mother’s mother, your mother’s mother’s mother, and so on. Here is an illustration to show how the mother’s DNA is passed on.