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Y-Chromosome (Male Lineage) Test

Y-Chromosome (Male Lineage) Test

Two or more males checking whether they share a paternal line

Participants:
Two or more males
Lab processing:
5 business days after the lab receives your samples
$125.71

Quantity

1 pack·$125.71/test$125.71

Order with these add-ons (optional)

Overview

The Y chromosome passes nearly unchanged from father to son, so males on the same direct paternal line share a Y-DNA signature. This test compares the Y chromosomes of two or more males to see whether they likely share a paternal lineage — useful for questions about a shared father, grandfather, or further-back paternal ancestor.

Because the Y signature is shared by everyone on that paternal line, this test confirms a shared line, not a specific one-to-one relationship. This is a private, peace-of-mind test — it is not chain-of-custody and not admissible in court.

Reasons for male lineage testing

The Y chromosome passes almost unchanged from father to son, so it acts as a marker for a direct paternal line. Common reasons people test include:

  • Tracing a paternal line — following the connection from father to son to grandson across generations.
  • Confirming a shared paternal ancestor — checking whether two or more males descend from the same direct paternal line.
  • Genealogy and family-history research — adding genetic evidence to a family tree or surname study.

Because only biological males carry a Y chromosome, this test works for male participants only. It confirms a shared paternal line rather than a specific one-to-one relationship, since every male on that line shares the same Y signature. It is a private, peace-of-mind test for personal information only.

What you get

  • Cheek swabs for each male 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 — 5 business days after the lab receives your samples.
  5. 5
    Results delivered — Sent to you privately by email.

Accuracy & methodology

A matching Y-DNA profile indicates the males likely share a direct paternal line; a non-match effectively rules it out. It cannot, on its own, pinpoint exactly how two matching males are related, since all males on the line share the signature. 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 this tell me my exact relationship to someone?
No. It confirms whether you share a paternal line. Because all males on that line share the same Y signature, it can't distinguish, say, a brother from a paternal cousin on its own.
Can women take this test?
Women don't carry a Y chromosome, so they can't be tested directly. A male relative on the line of interest would need to participate.
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.