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Mitochondrial DNA (Female Lineage) Test

Mitochondrial DNA (Female Lineage) Test

Two or more people checking whether they share a maternal line

Participants:
Two or more people
Lab processing:
14 business days after the lab receives your samples
$349.99

Quantity

1 pack·$349.99/test$349.99

Order with these add-ons (optional)

Overview

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed from a mother to all of her children, so everyone on the same direct maternal line shares an mtDNA signature. This test compares the mtDNA of two or more people — male or female — to see whether they likely share a maternal lineage.

Because mtDNA is shared across an entire maternal line, this confirms a shared line, not a specific one-to-one relationship. mtDNA analysis is more involved than standard testing, which is why turnaround is longer. This is a private, peace-of-mind test — it is not chain-of-custody and not admissible in court.

Understanding maternal lineage testing

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) passes from a mother to all of her children, so it traces a direct maternal line. Both sons and daughters inherit mtDNA from their mother, which means anyone can be tested — but only women pass it on to the next generation.

People use maternal lineage testing to explore maternal genealogy, confirm a shared maternal ancestor, or add genetic evidence to family-history research. A matching mtDNA sequence points to a shared maternal line, while a non-match effectively rules one out.

One thing to keep in mind: mtDNA is shared broadly across everyone on the same maternal line, so many people can match and the result is less individually specific than other tests. It confirms a shared line rather than an exact relationship, and it is a private, peace-of-mind test for personal information only.

What you get

  • Cheek swabs for each participant
  • Step-by-step illustrated instructions
  • Pre-addressed return mailer or FedEx label
  • A private results report by email

How it works

  1. 1

    Order your kit

    Choose your test and check out online. No appointment or doctor's order needed.

  2. 2

    We ship within 1 business day

    Your collection kit ships free with cheek swabs, step-by-step instructions, and a return mailer.

  3. 3

    Collect samples at home

    Each participant gently swabs the inside of their cheek. Painless and takes about a minute per person.

  4. 4

    Mail samples to the lab

    Drop your samples in the mail using the supplied envelope. Prepaid Return Mailer or FedEx Overnight Label Provided. Lab processing time starts when the lab receives your samples.

  5. 5

    Receive results securely

    The lab sends your report to us and we forward it to you privately by email.

Turnaround timeline

  1. 1
    Kit ships — Within 1 business day of your order.
  2. 2
    In transit to you — A few days, depending on your location.
  3. 3
    You collect & mail back — At your own pace. The clock for lab processing has not started yet.
  4. 4
    Lab processing — 14 business days after the lab receives your samples.
  5. 5
    Results delivered — Sent to you privately by email.

Accuracy & methodology

A matching mtDNA sequence indicates a shared maternal line; a non-match effectively rules it out. Like Y-DNA, it confirms a line rather than an exact relationship. Testing is performed by our accredited partner laboratory.

Testing is performed by our AABB-accredited partner laboratory.

Your privacy & trust

Your privacy matters to us, and DNA information is among the most sensitive personal data there is.

  • Samples are used only to perform the test you ordered and are destroyed after testing is complete. <!-- TODO: confirm exact sample-retention window with fulfillment lab before publishing -->
  • Results are delivered privately by email and are never sold, rented, or shared with third parties for marketing.
  • Your DNA data is treated as sensitive personal information. While at-home, informational tests are generally not covered by HIPAA, we handle your results with comparable care.
  • You can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting us.

Frequently asked questions

Can men take this test?
Yes. Everyone inherits mtDNA from their mother, so both men and women can be tested. Only women pass it on, but anyone can be compared on the maternal line.
Why does this take longer than other tests?
mtDNA analysis sequences a different part of the genome and is more involved, so lab processing takes longer.
Is this admissible in court?
No. It is for personal information only.

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Need a legal DNA test?

Need results for a custody case, child support, immigration, or any other legal matter? An at-home test cannot be used for those purposes. You'll need a court-approved, chain-of-custody DNA test performed through an accredited laboratory, where a neutral third party verifies every participant's identity and handles the samples.